Franschhoek resort enhances security after alleged racial assault incident

A Franschhoek resort has heightened its security measures after a patron accused it of “unfair and racist treatment” stemming from an alleged racial assault. 

 The patron, who had been camping at De Hollandsche Molen with his family from December 16 to December 23, reported that their stay was abruptly ended due to the incident.

In a social media post, the patron detailed that they have regularly returned to the resort over the past five years for camping but on December 21, an alleged physical assault soured their traditional camping experience. 

“Every year our kids complain about a few campers who pick on them and say they can’t walk down certain roads or use certain facilities, even (though) there are no rules of the resort stating this. He has, however, never done this to men. Always kids or our mothers. Soft targets.

“...(While) my nephew 19, his sister 18 and niece 10, were walking to the camping site, he assaulted my nephew, because he said they couldn’t use this certain path. He came from behind and choked him and then carried on choking him while dragging him for a few metres, in full view of the girls,” the patron said.

The young girls ran for help and alerted their family members.  

“We all came running and as we approached the area, other white campers, all buddies of (his), protected him and started choking us as well. After that, we escalated by following the proper channels, i.e speaking to resort management and owner & they clearly chose his side and asked us to leave. My nephew, nieces and rest of (family) are traumatised, hurt and utterly devastated at this racial attack on us and the reluctance of the De Hollandsche Molen staff and management to act in the interest of us,” the patron said.

According to the man, they “were summoned to the office and escorted like naughty kids while the white people were allowed to stay”. 

“We reached an agreement with the owner, everyone involved needs to leave the camp immediately. I made it clear that he needs to leave first. We had to scramble in the dark to pack up our belongings and leave, only to find out … this man’s whole setup is still there, and apparently only he left.”

The patron confirmed a complaint was lodged at Franschhoek SAPS. 

Police spokesperson Frederick van Wyk confirmed a case of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) was opened. 

“According to reports the complainant in this matter was allegedly choked by the suspect after an argument. The matter is still under investigation and no arrest as yet,” said Van Wyk.

In a media statement, resort management confirmed the “unfortunate and isolated incident” which occurred at approximately 5.40pm “during which a group of visitors became involved in a physical altercation”.

“Such behaviour is highly uncharacteristic of the resort and stands in contrast to the peaceful, family-oriented environment that De Hollandsche Molen Resort has maintained for many decades,” the statement read.

The establishment further detailed that none of the resort personnel were involved in the incident.

“Resort staff members acted responsibly and professionally, attempting only to calm the situation and prevent further escalation. The company has no record of any complaints received regarding the restriction or prohibition of access to specific areas of the resort prior to this incident…

“Following the incident, one group of visitors indicated that they felt unwelcome and requested to leave the resort,” an excerpt from the statement read.

The establishment said they have taken immediate steps to reinforce preventative measures, including enhanced security visibility and patrols, particularly during peak holiday periods and closer coordination with private security services and refined response protocols.

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