Nigerian envoy robbed in S/African hotel

07.03.2008

A Nigerian diplomat was on Monday robbed in a South African hotel in Pretoria, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported. Mr Ifeanyi Omoekachie, Minister in charge of Consular Affairs, who confirmed the theft to NAN on Thursday in Pretoria said the diplomat, who was on transit to Nigeria from Namibia, lost “huge sums of money and vital documents.”

“This incident is seen as one of the wide range and spate of robbery incidents against diplomats in South Africa,” he said. He said what was more worrisome was that the incident happened at a hotel that was “within the diplomatic enclave, adjudged as one of the safest places for diplomats”.

He threatened to petition both the South African hotel grading council and the Tourism Board, the regulatory bodies for hospitality business in the country for the alleged “uncaring attitude and act of insensitivity displayed” by the hotel management over the incident.

NAN investigation revealed that unknown persons broke into the diplomat’s room and made away with his two suitcases containing money and documents while he was out.

Contacted the General Manager of the hotel declined to comment on the incident. “I do not wish to make any comment on the matter,” she simply said.

The head of the diplomatic police unit of the South Africa police service, Mr Preston Daniels, confirmed the incident. He said it was unfortunate that the incident had to happen in such a highbrow hotel adding that investigation had commenced.