KEY POINTS
- A German tourist was robbed and assaulted in Sea Point before construction workers intervened.
- The suspect was stopped from escaping and arrested by law enforcement.
- Recent incidents have raised concerns about tourist safety in Cape Town.
A German tourist experienced a terrifying ordeal on Monday after being robbed and assaulted while walking along the Sea Point Promenade in Cape Town.
The 24-year-old suspect, believed to be linked to a series of similar incidents, was caught in the act thanks to the quick response of construction workers who refused to stand by and watch.
According to police spokesperson Wesley Twigg, the suspect was arrested at a beach in Sea Point after snatching a necklace from the tourist.
“Kindly be advised that a 24-year-old male was arrested for robbery on February 24, 2025, at a beach in Sea Point. He will appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court once he has been charged,” Twigg confirmed.
The attack happened in broad daylight when the suspect forcefully grabbed the tourist’s necklace. The victim, who attempted to resist, was thrown to the ground, sustaining minor injuries.
Quick-thinking construction workers foil the getaway
The suspect’s attempt to escape was thwarted by a group of construction workers who were repairing a section of the Rocklands Beach promenade wall.
Witnessing the attack, the workers sprang into action, preventing the suspect from fleeing and even intercepting his attempt to hand off the stolen necklace to an accomplice.
Law enforcement officers, private security personnel, and police soon arrived at the scene. The suspect was detained and arrested, bringing a swift end to what could have been another unsolved tourist robbery.
This incident is not an isolated one. Reports indicate that this is the third such attack in the Sea Point area in just three days.
It raises concerns about the safety of tourists in Cape Town, especially along popular walking routes.
Ongoing concerns over tourist safety in Cape Town
This latest robbery comes just weeks after a Dutch-Thai couple was attacked in the Cape Town CBD while sightseeing.
The couple, aged 71 and 57, was robbed of their valuables, including €9,000 (R176,000) and their passports. The woman, who did not speak fluent English, was dragged by the attackers when she refused to let go of her moon bag containing the valuables.
Thanks to the kindness of South African citizens, particularly a guesthouse manager in Stellenbosch, the couple received their replacement passports. They were able to return home to the Netherlands on February 14.
The police currently maintain an active investigation of these two cases. However, growing concern surrounds the safety of international visitors in Cape Town.
A large number of visitors choose the city as their primary tourism destination each year. However, the rising incidents of violent robberies threaten its reputation.
The authorities requested that visitors stay alert while informing authorities about strange occurrences in isolated regions.
The suspect in Monday’s attack remains in custody and is expected to make further court appearances as the case progresses.
