BOURKE’S LUCK – A scam that has apparently made its way to one of the Lowveld’s main attractions, is currently being investigated by the MTPA (Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency).
It is alleged that a Phoenix Flying Squad Security guard suggests a “discount” when tourists arrive at this particular destination. If a car has four occupants, he would charge entry for only two people.
In return he would only ask for only a cold drink. Although paying R70 instead of R140 for four people sounds like a good deal, it’s actually the MTPA that takes the financial knock.
After written concerns by a recent victim of this scam, Mr Christopher Harvie, the security company is now trying to identify the culprit, in order to nip this practice in the bud.
According to Harvie, who is also the media liaison officer for Hazyview’s Chamber of Business and Tourism, it seems as if this kind of corruption is reaching epidemic proportions in the Lowveld.
According to Ms Cilia de Jesus, who spoke on behalf of the CEO of MTPA, Mr Jacques Modipane, this matter will receive his urgent attention. The acting head of tourism, acting CFO as well as the MTPA senior manager of security will also take further steps in this regard.
Harvie emphasises the importance of self-policing cases like these to prevent similar incidents in future.
