Comoros Island tourists hijacked en route to Kruger National Park

Despite being hijacked and the suspects still being at large, a couple from the Comoros Island said this traumatic incident would not stop them from further exploring the Lowveld, and they plan to continue their trips to South Africa.

According to Linda Grimbeek, the COO of the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (KLCBT), the ordeal occurred on the R536 only a few kilometres from the Phabeni Gate entrance to the Kruger National Park on Monday April 29, when three men appeared from a nearby bush and forced them to stop.

She said the three men held the couple at gunpoint, got into the vehicle with them and forced them to drive on. Thinking quickly, the woman told her husband in French that they should jump out of the car, before she pulled up the handbrake. Only her husband managed to get out in time. One of the hijackers jumped into the driver’s seat and drove off again. As the car picked up speed, the woman managed to jump out too.

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A member of the community took the couple to the nearby Matikwana Hospital in Mkhuhlu for treatment.

According to Walter Shongwe, the manager of Africa Safe EMS, they were called out to the hospital later that afternoon and transferred the injured couple to Mediclinic Nelspruit. He said the woman had sustained several abrasions and had a hematoma on the back of her head. After treatment, both of them were discharged, said Liza Pillay, the hospital’s spokesperson.

The couple, who asked not to be named, confirmed the manner in which the incident had unfolded and said it would not stop them from continuing to visit South Africa and the Lowveld in particular. They also thanked all the people who assisted them, especially a man whose name they said they did not get, for taking them to Matikwana Hospital. They did did not wish to comment further on the incident.

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Grimbeek complimented the way the Lowveld community had assisted and treated the couple. “They said they will complete their tour of South Africa and will without a doubt return to the country for yet another visit.” Grimbeek said security patrols have been increased on the road to ensure the safety of motorists.

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency provides aftercare for tourists in distress, ensuring that the psychological effects of the attack are also dealt with. Grimbeek added that despite what had happened to them, the couple were completely overwhelmed by the hospitality and care and vowed to return for a another holiday soon.

A provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, confirmed that the Hazyview police are investigating a hijacking case and that the victims’ vehicle has been recovered in Shabalala Trust with all their luggage. Only their phones and a laptop are still missing.
“The suspects were described and the police are looking for them. We are also calling on members of the public with any information that may lead to their arrests, to come forward,” Mdhluli said.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the suspects is urged to call the Crime Stop number, 08600 10111, or to send information via the My SAPS app.