In an effort to protect tourists travelling along the R536 towards the Kruger National Park, a 24-hour security patrol has been officially deployed.

Lowvelder reports that, according to Linda Grimbeek, the CEO of the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (KLCBT), security company Taysec has been appointed to patrol the stretch from Hazyview to the Paul Kruger Gate on a 24-hour basis.

Grimbeek says the initiative is a collaboration between the Tourism Business Council of South Africa and the KLCBT, aimed at ensuring tourist safety at all times.

More than crime prevention

The patrol is designed to be more than just a crime deterrent.

“With the security patrol, we aim to assist tourists with directions, information, breakdowns, and incidents where and when needed. We want everyone to travel that road comfortably. Tourism is the heartbeat of our area and as local residents, it is our responsibility to support and look after the industry as best we can,” Grimbeek adds.

According to her, while the route is not plagued by constant incidents, past crimes necessitated this move.

Funding call to expand coverage

The KLCBT is currently calling on other businesses to assist with funding to expand patrol coverage across more tourism routes.

While the area is generally considered stable, a few high-profile incidents highlighted the need for increased vigilance:

• September 2023: Two American tourists, (aged 47 and 39), were held at gunpoint on the R536 near the Calcutta crossing. They were kidnapped and driven to a secluded spot where they were robbed of their personal belongings.
• April 2024: Tourists from the Comoros Islands were hijacked by three armed men on the R536, only a few kilometres from the Phabeni Gate entrance.

Community welcomes move

The deployment has been warmly welcomed by both residents and tour operators, who believe the increased visibility will benefit the entire community.

Given Sambo, a local resident and business owner, says: “We have businesses along the R536 and the people visiting the park, who are our biggest customers. When they are attacked, our businesses suffer because people stop visiting. With the security patrol, tourists can stop and shop freely without worrying about criminals.”

Antonio Murray, a local tour operator, agrees that the patrol adds a vital layer of security.

“Now we can travel that road at any time knowing we are safe. However, that doesn’t mean people should be careless; they still need to practice safety measures at all times,” he cautions.

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