Runner’s knifepoint terror on a South African beach

Sunday 5th February 2012, 7:00AM GMT.

Barbara Parker does not want people to be put off South Africa

A FORMER Island Games gold medallist from Jersey has spoken of her terror at being robbed at knife point on a beach in South Africa.

Well known marathon runner Barbara Parker had been walking with a friend on a remote part of Muizenberg Beach in southern Cape Town when the pair were approached by a man armed with a knife.

He stole Mrs Parker’s rucksack before struggling with her friend for hers.

Although shaken by the incident Mrs Parker, who is part-way through a six-month stay in the country with her husband Brian, has not changed her view of South Africa.

Instead, speaking from the country, she said it is still an ‘amazing’ place and urged people not to be put off by reports of crime.

• Full story in Saturday’s JEP

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1
James

February 5, 2012 at 6:50 pm

‘urged people not to be put off by reports of crime’

Urge all you like love. I am put off.

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2
Overpopulated

February 5, 2012 at 9:48 pm

Perhaps she should have spoken to some of the South Africans living here prior to visiting, they are here for a reason ……………

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3
Alex

February 6, 2012 at 7:48 am

I was once mugged at knife point in London, happens often there and probably more frequently in South Africa, not really news worthy.

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- bruce
  
  February 6, 2012 at 2:28 pm
  
  when i was in angers, france i got stabbed in the chest by someone breaking into my van. i learnt my lesson – be careful and be sensible wherever you are in the world – including st.helier.
  
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  - Julie A
    
    February 6, 2012 at 7:34 pm
    
    Well said Bruce. I always think it is the luck of the draw-bad things can happen anywhere and you just have to hope they don’t happen to you or your loved ones.Going back to the original story- South Africa is a beautiful place and the people there are friendly and hospitable-it is only spoilt (like anywhere) by the few bad ones.
    
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    - Yarpie lover
      
      February 8, 2012 at 9:33 pm
      
      To be honest through working in South Africa and talking to my South African friends your chances of getting mugged/stubbed are far greater there than most places. It would be considered foolish to walk anywhere that is too far from the crowds in SA for this very reason!
      
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