A couple from Germany has been robbed and the man injured following a burglary at the guesthouse in Addo where they were residing in the early hours of yesterday morning, March 18.
The sleeping couple woke up just before 01:00 when four suspects with unknown objects forced entry into the room and threatened the couple.
Police spokesperson, Col. Priscilla Naidu, said that the 67-year-old man sustained open wounds to his head when he tried to close the door on the suspects. However, they managed to steal foreign currency, cash, passports and other personal property.
“Intelligence information led to the swift arrest of a 27-year-old suspect in Nomathansanqa Location at about 11:30 as it is alleged that he was attempting to exchange the foreign cash. Two other suspects, aged 29 and 31 years, were arrested shortly thereafter. Most of the stolen property was recovered,” Naidu said.
The suspects are detained on charges of the possession of suspected stolen property and business robbery. They will appear in the Kirkwood Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, March 20.
Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Maj. Gen. Zolani Xawuka, commended the excellent teamwork of the task team (Crime Intelligence, Provincial Organised Crime Investigation, Anti- Gang Unit, SAPS Kirkwood, Paterson and Addo members).
“Tourism has a significant social benefit to our country and crime can deter potential visitors from travelling to their desired destinations,” he said.
“This can also negatively impact the reputation of certain destinations, hence, in order to preserve and protect our province and country, we as law enforcement must do everything in our power to ensure the safety of our tourists and citizens alike. I applaud the swift reaction of our members who utilised every resource and intelligence available to effect such speedy arrests,” he added.
