GQEBERHA - Hotels and other hospitality places accommodating tourists are urged to inform their guests of opportunistic criminals and for them to be alert and vigilant at all times when touring the city on their own.

This appeal comes after a Swiss woman and her partner were conned of a substantial amount of money by criminals looking for an easy target. It is alleged that on Tuesday, 10 January 2023 at about 12:30, the 53-year-old woman and her partner were driving in Sutton Road in Sidwell and as they stopped at an intersection, they were approached by a man with a security badge who informed them that they needed a permit. They were told to follow him in a red vehicle where they were taken to an ATM at a nearby centre and large sums of money were withdrawn from both of their bank accounts. They were assisted at the ATM by approximately four males.

After withdrawing the money, the suspects left them at the ATM and drove off.

This is not the first time that foreign tourists have been preyed upon by these criminals.

Tourists must be security conscious at all times and to take note of their surroundings when leaving their hotels or other accommodation.

• They should have in their possession the local police station number should they wish to verify/clarify any suspicion or doubt.

•They must never go to any banking institution to withdraw cash to pay to any person that request payment for services they do not understand. Instead when in doubt, contact the police or the tourism office for clarity and assistance.

A case of robbery was opened for investigation. The couple has since left the country.

Source: South African Police Service