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Names of suspects cannot be released as yet before they appear in court. According to SAPS, the case was remanded until tomorrow for legal assistance and further investigation.

Facts about the incident in Tsitsikamma (14 June 2015)

An American tourist who was staying at a private lodge adjacent to the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park, was jogging alone between 08:00 and 09:00am on Sunday, the 14th June 2015 when she was chased and raped by 2 men approximately 1 kilometre from her booked accommodation East of Stormsriver area of the Park.

The tourist was rushed to a hospital in Knysna for observation and medical attention before she flew back to Johannesburg. Two suspects were arrested following the incident and are expected to appear in court on Wednesday, 17 June 2015.

SANParks would like to congratulate the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their swift and meticulous way in handling the matter. We wish the victim all the strength in this difficult time and we are confident that the perpetrators will face the full might of the law.

The area in which the victim was attacked is part of a hiking trail which is usually booked overnight and provides guided walks.

Issued by:
South African National Parks (SANParks) Garden Route Region Communications

Media Enquiries:
Reynold “Rey” Thakhuli
GM: Media, PR & Stakeholder Relations, SANParks
Tel: 012 426 5203, mobile: 073 373 4999
E-mail: [email protected]

Nandi Mgwadlamba
Manager: Regional Communications Garden Route National Park
Tel: 044 302 5633, mobile:078 702 9663
E-mail: [email protected]