Last Wednesday afternoon Alistair Hill, a part-time wildlife photographer from Cape Town, and his girlfriend, Carla Germishuys, sustained various injuries when they were attacked by two black attackers, one wielding a panga/machete
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GEORGE NEWS - Update: Wilderness panga attack -
Local police are in urgent discussions with other role players about security on the hiking trail along the old railway track between Wilderness and Victoria Bay after another vicious attack near Leentjiesklip last week. Attacks and robberies on the trail have been on the rise with mostly tourists falling victim.
Last Wednesday afternoon Alistair Hill, a part-time wildlife photographer from Cape Town, and his girlfriend, Carla Germishuys, sustained various injuries when they were attacked by two men, one wielding a panga. The couple was on vacation in Wilderness, one of their frequent holiday destinations.
This week Hill said he believes their training in self-defense is what saved their lives. He says while he was fighting with one of the attackers for control of the panga, the other one was throwing rocks at him and his girlfriend. The robber also tried to throw him off a cliff, after which both robbers attacked his girlfriend to get their camera. "Carla has two black eyes and a swollen nose after she was struck on her nose by a rock.
While she defended herself, she managed to give the one guy a good kick between the legs," said Hill. The couple fought off the robbers and wrestled the panga away, which they later handed to the police.
They were treated at Mediclinic George and discharged later the same day. He says their injuries are mostly due to the rocks that were thrown at them.
Captain Malcolm Pojie, Southern Cape Police spokesperson, said they are investigating a case of attempted robbery and aggravated assault. The robbers fled empty handed on foot.
"We suspect that different groups are operating in the area. Arrests have been made in some of the cases, but incidents still occur. The modus operandi of these robbers indicate that they target couples and groups of women walking on the trail," said Pojie.
He urged locals and tourists to walk in groups of three or more, including men and never alone. "We also ask that people do not take along any valuable items or money," said Pojie.
This week George Municipality said they are investigating the possibility of putting up notice boards warning people of the dangers on the trail. "As far as law enforcement goes, we patrolled the Victoria Bay and Wilderness area over the festive season. Unfortunately, we do not have the manpower to patrol the whole railway line. In this respect the police play a crucial role and provide valuable input," said Municipal Manager Trevor Botha.
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