GEORGE NEWS - Running some errands in town ended in a frightening experience for Georgian Greg van Rensburg when he was mugged by three thugs who brazenly tackled him on a busy pavement.
It was about 12:30 on Thursday 26 March, and Van Rensburg (72) had gone into town to visit a travel agency. He could not be assisted immediately, so he went into the Chinese shop across the street, next to Nedbank, to while away his time.
He had just exited the shop and was on his way back when the three villains caught him completely off guard, tackling him from behind. He ploughed into the ground, and the next thing, his cellphone and passport were gone.
“It happened right outside Old Mutual on the corner of Hibernia and York Street. I kicked off my flip-flops and gave chase barefoot, but of course they were too fast. I shouted, ‘Vang hulle! Vang hulle!’ but there was no reaction from anyone. It was a busy time and people were milling around.”
The thieves fled up Hibernia Street and disappeared in the direction of Shoprite in Van der Stel Square.
Van Rensburg’s passport was in his one back trouser pocket and his wallet in the other. “I fell on the side where my wallet was, and I suppose they did not notice it. They must have thought the passport was my wallet.”
He was not injured except for some minor grazes on his one elbow and knee, and a sore and stiff body the following day. “I also now have the inconvenience of having to apply for a new passport, but fortunately there is enough time to have it done before my trip.”
Van Rensburg’s phone has been blacklisted and the SIM card blocked. “I also went to the bank to block my banking app, and the clerk told me that that area is a hotspot for muggings. I would like to warn the public to be very cautious. I think bank clients who draw money there are probably regarded as easy targets. In my case, they only got an old phone and a passport that is of no worth, but I got a big fright all the same.”
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