Picture: North West MEC for Department of Economic Development Environment Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Virginia Tlhapi
By BAKANG MOKOTO
North West MEC for Department of Economic Development Environment Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Virginia Tlhapi said they condemn in the strongest possible terms the attacks on tourists who were traveling on the R556 road from Gauteng to Sun City on 4 December 2023.
Tlhapi said it is alleged that tourists were attacked on the R556 road, which is affectionately known for its notorious attacks on tourists in the province.
“There have been many criminal incidents which took place in the past. This unfortunate incident took place at a time when the department has just unveiled its festive season tourism campaign that aims at promoting tourism safety in the province.
“We have since requested an urgent meeting with the North West MEC responsible for Community Safety and Transport, Sello Lehari, and the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, to discuss safety measures for all tourists who are visiting the province,” she said.
Tlhapi further said the aim of the meeting is also to impress upon law enforcement agencies the need to ensure the successful arrest and prosecution of those who committed this heinous crime. She added that the department will further be initiating an engagement with all tourist guides in the province to enhance knowledge of safety measures when guiding and welcoming tourists in the province.
“The importance of tourism as an economic sector in the North West cannot be over-emphasized. Tourism in the province contributes towards job creation and it’s a critical input factor in the Growth of Domestic Product (GDP).
“So, no stone will be left unturned in a quest to ensure the arrest of those who attacked innocent tourists in our province,” said Tlhapi.
The Guardian 