hikers mugged in south africa
Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 7:20 am
Not cool
By Jason Warner
Two South African expatriates living in Canada were stabbed several times while hiking in Fernkloof Nature Reserve near Hermanus yesterday, and airlifted to safety.
"About 9.40am, police were contacted by two hikers who had found the tourists on a trail in Kleinrivier Mountains," police spokesman November Filander said.
He said the two were found with their hands bound behind their backs with their shoelaces. They had been stabbed several times in the shoulders, back, neck and legs.
They had also been stoned with rocks.
"They were overpowered by two suspects about two hours earlier and left there."
He said the robbers stole a digital camera, an engagement ring, carry bags, watches and cellphones.
Filander said car keys had also been stolen, but the robbers had not stolen the car parked at the base of the trail. "Luckily, there was a helicopter in the air and they came to their rescue quite soon." He said police, together with a dog unit and traffic authorities, had carried out an extensive search, but had not been able to catch the suspects.
Jacobs said the two were originally from South Africa, but had been living in Canada for the past 20 years.
A case of aggravated robbery has been opened, and anyone with information is urged to contact investigating officer David Payne on 028 313 7000 or 083 444 0702.
Overberg fire chief Riaan Jacobs said the two had been airlifted at about 9am. He said they had lost "quite a lot of blood" and were not able to walk or properly communicate.
"We dropped a medic down who stabilised them on the mountain.
"They couldn't move, and were put on to stretchers.
"They were in quite a lot of shock, and in a lot of pain. Luckily, they're okay now and have been discharged from hospital."
Meanwhile, rescue staff also airlifted an unidentified body about a kilometre away from a mountain above Voel-klip beach.
"On Sunday, a group of hikers found a body at the bottom of a gorge," Filander said.
He said the body was badly decomposed and authorities had not yet been able to determine the gender or identity.
Filander said it had multiple fractures to the legs and head injuries.
Overberg disaster manager Reinhard Geldenhuys said the body had been airlifted at about 9am yesterday.
jason.warner@inl.co.za
o This article was originally published on page 1 of Cape Times on December 23, 2009
By Jason Warner
Two South African expatriates living in Canada were stabbed several times while hiking in Fernkloof Nature Reserve near Hermanus yesterday, and airlifted to safety.
"About 9.40am, police were contacted by two hikers who had found the tourists on a trail in Kleinrivier Mountains," police spokesman November Filander said.
He said the two were found with their hands bound behind their backs with their shoelaces. They had been stabbed several times in the shoulders, back, neck and legs.
They had also been stoned with rocks.
"They were overpowered by two suspects about two hours earlier and left there."
He said the robbers stole a digital camera, an engagement ring, carry bags, watches and cellphones.
Filander said car keys had also been stolen, but the robbers had not stolen the car parked at the base of the trail. "Luckily, there was a helicopter in the air and they came to their rescue quite soon." He said police, together with a dog unit and traffic authorities, had carried out an extensive search, but had not been able to catch the suspects.
Jacobs said the two were originally from South Africa, but had been living in Canada for the past 20 years.
A case of aggravated robbery has been opened, and anyone with information is urged to contact investigating officer David Payne on 028 313 7000 or 083 444 0702.
Overberg fire chief Riaan Jacobs said the two had been airlifted at about 9am. He said they had lost "quite a lot of blood" and were not able to walk or properly communicate.
"We dropped a medic down who stabilised them on the mountain.
"They couldn't move, and were put on to stretchers.
"They were in quite a lot of shock, and in a lot of pain. Luckily, they're okay now and have been discharged from hospital."
Meanwhile, rescue staff also airlifted an unidentified body about a kilometre away from a mountain above Voel-klip beach.
"On Sunday, a group of hikers found a body at the bottom of a gorge," Filander said.
He said the body was badly decomposed and authorities had not yet been able to determine the gender or identity.
Filander said it had multiple fractures to the legs and head injuries.
Overberg disaster manager Reinhard Geldenhuys said the body had been airlifted at about 9am yesterday.
jason.warner@inl.co.za
o This article was originally published on page 1 of Cape Times on December 23, 2009
