Two tourists and their tour guide found themselves in a life-threatening situation when they were mugged by a group of five men while taking a relaxed hike at the foot of the Outeniqua Pass.
The hikers were a 62-year old from Graaff-Reinet, her friend from Cape Town and their tour guide. The three had been taking photographs of the birdlife along the trail when the perpetrators approached.
It is reported that the group of suspects initially appeared to be friendly, but the situation quickly turned dire when one of the men suddenly took out a panga.
The armed man then proceeded to demand the trio’s valuables, which are worth approximately R110 000 all together. These valuables include two backpacks, binoculars, an iPhone 6, credit cards, the keys to a bakkie, and cash.
Fortunately, the victims escaped unscathed, and police have now launched a manhunt for the robbers.
Police officers, with support from the Outeniqua dog unit among others, responded to the incident. The assailants, however, had already fled the scene by the time authorities responded.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Jerome Malan, on 044 803 4715, or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Picture: Pixabay
