A hijacking of an elderly French couple in Graskop on Monday October 18 has been condemned by the provincial government.

According to a statement issued by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the couple were hijacked by three bogus police officers.

“According to the police, the incident happened at about 17:00, when the international tourists, who were exploring attractions around Graskop, were stopped by three males in full police uniform, but driving a private vehicle,” read the statement.

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The woman reportedly sustained a minor injury on her finger when she was dragged out of the rented vehicle by the three perpetrators, who eventually left with the vehicle and other valuables. The vehicle was described as a Suzuki Swift.

Vusi Mkhatshwa, the MEC for the provincial Department of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, condemned the incident in the strongest possible terms.

“Such a barbaric act paints us in a negative way and has the potential to chase tourists away. Our police are working hard to apprehend these impersonators and we can confirm that the law will take its course once they are behind bars,” said Mkhatshwa.

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He said it is a serious criminal offence for anyone to impersonate a police officer or any other law enforcer, and that such behaviour will surely be punished.

“We are at a critical time in our economic space, where we need tourists more than ever before. We cannot allow thugs to harass and attack tourists in our province.”

Mkhatshwa called upon community members who might have witnessed the incident to report any information to the police that may lead to the arrest of the hijackers.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Sgt Xoli Mgiba in Graskop on 082 782 3033.