The US government has issued a safety warning, cautioning its citizens about the potential risks associated with following GPS navigation app recommendations for the ‘shortest and quickest’ routes when travelling in South Africa.
This safety alert comes in response to an incident where an American tourist was robbed and shot in the face over the weekend while en route from Cape Town International Airport to Simon’s Town. The incident occurred as the GPS device guided the tourist through Nyanga, where he was attacked.
Also read: American tourist robbed and shot in the face in Nyanga
The father of three, Walter Fischel (55), from Connecticut, had just landed at Cape Town International Airport, where he exchanged currency before leaving the airport in a rented car for his destination, which he entered into a GPS app and picked the shortest route, not knowing that it would direct him through an unsafe area.
Fischel 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.
The US released a travel advisory, which read, ‘GPS navigation can lead to unsafe routes. Shortcuts through townships may be the quickest preferred route but can lead to increased risks of crime.’
‘If you decide to travel to South Africa: Investigate your route in advance, stay on major highways, avoid shortcuts through townships, and avoid reliance on GPS navigation apps. When driving on city roads, the shortest and fastest route may not be the safest.’
‘For example: the safest approach to return a rental car to Cape Town International Airport is to take the N2 highway and follow signs to Airport Approach Rd (exit 16). Alternatively, request the rental car company to collect your vehicle and subsequently arrange an airport transfer from established taxi companies or established ride-sharing services to reach the airport.’
Police spokesperson FC van Wyk confirmed the incident and said the motive behind the attack was robbery.
‘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 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.’
A spokesperson for Google Maps told TimesLIVE on Tuesday: ‘We take a wide range of factors into account to deliver the best driving route, including road size, directness, estimated travel time and fuel efficiency. We take driver safety very seriously and encourage drivers to follow local laws, stay attentive and use their best judgment.’
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Picture: Max Kleinen / Unsplash