A leading security industry expert has questioned security measures and emergency protocols at the Eston-based Tala Game Reserve, near Pietermaritzburg, following a violent attack on two young women, warning that ‘luxury without security is a liability’.

According to The Witness, the victims, referred to as Louise and Leanne, are using fictitious names to protect their identities at this stage.

Security gaps highlighted

Security investigator Brad Nathanson said the incident exposed serious gaps that should reasonably be addressed at any high-end tourism destination operating in South Africa’s current crime environment.

He identified several failures that allegedly compounded the women’s ordeal. After Louise managed to contact her mother during the attack, family members reportedly attempted for about 40 minutes to reach the reserve without success.

They were later informed that reception closes at 20:00, with no alternative emergency contact number provided.

“There was no telephone in the cottage, no two-way radio, no panic buttons and no clearly defined emergency procedure in place for guests,” Nathanson said. He also noted that the doors could not be secured from the inside with a deadbolt.

According to Nathanson, these shortcomings heightened the women’s vulnerability and prolonged their trauma during and after the attack.

Impact on victims

He said both women have suffered significant physical and psychological harm, including severe anxiety, emotional distress and insomnia.

“Their losses were not only financial. They lost a sense of safety, a sense of trust, and a part of their innocence,” Nathanson said, adding that recovery from such trauma ‘takes time, accountability and acknowledgement’.

Reserve response

Nathanson said that in a conversation with one of the reserve’s directors, he was assured that Tala is doing all in its power to identify the suspects and bring them to book, while also taking stock of shortcomings, including aspects of its response to the incident.

He warned that game reserves can no longer rely on isolation or reputation for protection.

“Criminals understand that tourists are relaxed, unfamiliar with their surroundings, and often lightly protected,” Nathanson said. “That makes game reserves attractive targets unless security is deliberate, visible and layered.”

He added that effective protection requires controlled access, proper vetting of staff and contractors, perimeter security supported by patrols and lighting, clear night protocols and rapid response capability.

“Luxury without security is a liability,” Nathanson said.

“In a high-crime environment like South Africa, proactive security is no longer optional — it is part of ethical tourism and legal duty.”

The Witness contacted Tala for comment. The manager on duty said the reserve would not comment as an investigation is underway.

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