German tourist robbed at knifepoint

After a German tourist was mugged and hurt near a coffee shop in Upper Town, police were swift in arresting a suspect on a charge of aggravated robbery.

According to police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies the incident happened in Fichat Street on Wednesday 8 November at about 22:30 and the suspect was arrested the same night.

The 28-year-old man appeared briefly in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court on Friday 10 November, with the next appearance due on 12 December. He is still in custody.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the 39-year-old victim, a woman from Germany, was robbed of her bag at Fichat Street,” said Spies. “Information available indicates that the victim was on her way to board a taxi from her place of accommodation when the suspect, armed with a knife, approached her from behind.”

Detailing the series of events, Spies said the suspect grabbed the victim, threatened her with a knife, threw her to the ground and took her bag before he fled with the loot from the scene.

A search for the suspect ensued, Spies said, involving various role players.

CCTV footage assisted with the tracing of the suspect and also positively linked him to the incident.

“Further investigation led the police to Greenfields near Concordia, where the suspect was spotted by a member of the police. The members chased him down and arrested him at Ethembeni,” said Spies.

The victim, who sustained injuries to her head and hand, was taken for medical treatment at a local hospital and discharged thereafter.

Her bag was recovered later, but her iPhone, which was among the items stolen that night, is still missing.

She has since left for Germany.

The Eden Cluster commander Major General Oswald Reddy praised the members involved for their prompt response that led to the arrest of the suspect.

He also commended the cooperation between the various stakeholders such as security companies, other law enforcement agencies as well as neighbourhood watches and civilians.

“This partnership policing approach will continue during the festive season to ensure the safety of all, including tourists and visitors,” said Reddy.

“The safety of tourists or visitors to our town is of utmost importance and the Knysna police will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to increase the safety levels as part of our safer festive season operations.

“These operations include vehicle and foot patrols in hot spot areas, the malls and CBD,” Spies said, and concluded with the following advice for visitors.

Safety tips for tourists

Avoid an ostentatious display of expensive jewellery, cameras, cellphones and other valuables.

Keep your handbag with you, keep it closed or zipped, and do not leave it unattended.

Keep your cellphone with you and do not leave it unattended.

Do not carry large sums of money with you.

Carry your wallet in an inside pocket – never in the rear pocket of your trousers.

Credit card transactions must be processed in your presence.

At night, stay away from dark, isolated areas.

It is always better to explore in groups and to stick to well-lit, busy streets.

Plan your route beforehand and, as far as possible, do not ask directions from strangers.