Ok let me start off by saying that we do not have such a legal entity in South Africa. We do however have a new trend in ripping tourist off in this country. Tonight on 702 on the way home I heard stories (8 confirmed cases) of tourist that had been ripped off by Tourist Police, let me elaborate on that, they were ripped off by people claiming to be tourist police.
The con happens when tourist vehicles are spotted and lured off the road by flashing blue lights. Once stopped they are flash a tourist police badge and their belongings search and *lifted* from them. The whole set up is really believable, so be aware!
Now for foreign tourists this is not too far from the truth. I myself have been privy to the might and assistance of real tourist police during my summers in Athens. In other countries around the globe there is such a legal entity. Not in South Africa, tourists that are coming to SA or that are already here: “Please be aware that in South Africa we currently do NOT have a Tourist police force. I appeal to all stake holders in the travel industry to be aware of this, it is real, it is happening, do not bury your head in the sand, warn your drivers and guides. Do your bit to stop crime and spread the word that we do not have Tourist police in South Africa.
I can vouch for this story – it happened to me this afternoon in traffic on the N1 South travelling towards Malibongwe.. I have just imported a car which still has UK plates and was pulled over by the “Tourist Police” in a bronze coloured BMW E38 5 Series. The man was of middle-eastern origin – long black hair and dressed in khaki. Claimed to be from the drug squad – checked my license and sniffed it then asked what was in my pockets. I was very suspicious especially as their car had no rear number plate.. He looked inside my laptop bag but I refused to let go of the handle and my car door was locked.. Eventually he apologised and they took off (3 of them in the car)
This does our country no good and does not bode well for the world cup next year..