The Western Cape SAPS has launched a manhunt for an unknown number of suspects after an American tourist was robbed and shot in the face over the weekend.
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The 55-year-old tourist, from Connecticut, was accosted shortly after arriving at Cape Town International Airport on Friday afternoon.
According to media reports, he stepped off the plane, exchanged currency at the airport, rented a car, and drove to Nyanga, where he was shot and robbed.
It is also claimed that he used a map app on his iPhone to find his rental accommodation in Simon’s Town. However, he appeared to be directed through a nearby township to his destination.
He was robbed of his personal belongings, documents and clothing.
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The unidentified tourist told News24 that his initial plan before being shot was to stay in Cape Town for at least two weeks before returning to the United States.
He added that he felt extremely lucky to have made it out alive and would be leaving the country as soon as he was given the all-clear.
Meanwhile, the SAPS confirmed the incident, which had become the subject of a police investigation.
‘A case of attempted murder and robbery with a firearm was registered at Mowbray. He was transferred to a medical facility which falls under the Mowbray Police Precinct and will be transferred to Nyanga for further investigation,’ said the Western Cape police’s FC van Wyk.
‘No arrests have been made yet and the investigation continues. The motive is robbery. Further investigation will be by the Provincial Detectives Serious and Violent Crimes.’
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