Zambian gospel artiste and presenter, Penjani, has raised eyebrows with accusations that the Victoria Falls has a criminal gang attacking unsuspecting tourists.
The artiste says she was nearly lynched, but those who have been operating at the world heritage site for many years, have dispelled her allegations, describing her as ‘attention seeker.’
Although she did not report at the Police post within the Falls/border area, there are calls to substantiate her claims which they feel have potential to tarnish the reputation of the Victoria Falls.
She wrote:
SAFETY AND SECURITY AT THE VICTORIA FALLS
*long post alert *
I wasn’t sure whether to post this or not, but I realise that we help each other when we speak up about matters that concern us all.
Moments before I took this pic, I solo wondered off from my family, onto a path that I have never taken at the falls. It had been a fun-filled long day, so I didn’t want to pressure everyone into accompanying me to satisfy my curiosity. In my heart, I just wanted to quickly go and see a view I had never had.
Anyway, all was going well, until a lone male “tourist” from the opposite direction walked past me. He greeted me and I nervously but courteously waved back at him. I proceeded onwards and took out my phone for this selfie moment. I had even decided to start taking a video, which for whatever reason, I abruptly cut short, and put my phone away into my bag.
As I started to walk further up, I suddenly noticed three men appear from behind me. I also realised that one of the men, was the one who had walked past me just about ten minutes earlier. I picked up my pace and in moments, when a fork in the path came up, I decided to turn back using the path on the other side (to avoid being on the same path as these 3 men).
At this point, the man who had earlier walked passed me asked me why I was turning back? He said to me that up there offered stunning views and was safe. I thanked him and said I would take up that advice after telling the rest of my family so that we enjoy the views together.
I speedily walked back while praying that no surprises sprung up from behind me. Thankfully, I made it safely to the exit point. But, that was not the end…
Upon exit, I was wooed into the curio market by one of the many sales men. As I wondered away looking at a certain man’s artifacts (ended up buying some), a tall dark man walked into the stall and presented to me a slip of paper. “You dropped this up there, I thought you might need it later!” It was my entry ticket and POS receipt. Now what do you know! He was one of the three men who had appeared behind me earlier. It turns out that he was the owner of some of the merchandise in the stall that I was in. I politely accepted my slip as he used his “kind gesture” to coerce me into buying from him too. I wondered whether to engage him about what had happened at the falls, but figured to only say, “oh, you are THAT man!”
Now friends, on one hand, this could easily have been a coincidence. But too, I could have just survived a possible attack. I am convinced that I encountered three gentlemen who run an organised pick pocket operation. My assumption of this scenario is that the first gentleman who walked passed me, a fair skinned and friendly looking man, went out to alert his colleagues that an easy target had been spotted. Within about ten minutes, they came for me and God knows what would have happened next. A few short minutes after this failed mission, they were out and back to selling their merchandise! Am I overthinking this fam? I highly doubt.
I thank God that I was spared, but I have gathered that there are many stories of theft, fatal accidents (e.g slips), suicides and even murders at the falls. While word goes round in the town, these accounts are hardly ever heard of in the main stream. As such, unsuspecting tourists fall prey because they are just peace loving Zambians or foreign tourists, looking to have a refreshing time with no knowledge of possible harm lurking in the corners.
I am no security expert, but I would like to implore the Ministry of Tourism and Arts,
Zambia Tourism Board ,
Victoria Falls National Heritage Site management, to urgently look into the stark safety and security breaches at The Falls. Based on my visit, I see urgent need to:
1) Install security surveillance cameras
2) Install Metal detectors and run proper security screening upon entry
3) Install modern (and reinforce existing) security barricades that ensure safety of tourists from accidental, self harm or malicious falls on all foot paths along the cliff.
4) Screen curio sellers and modify the design of the market to avoid targeted crime. The current design promotes mass loitering and unfortunately, some individuals at the market are not mere curio sellers, but organised criminals who have enough time on their hands to single out targets.
5) Install automated ticketing which will leave a digital footprint of each entry and exit. This alone will help the Falls management ensure that every tourist is accounted for and will also detect suspicious multiple entries.
Because the President Hakainde Hichilema government seems keen on massively developing the tourism sector in the country, it is my sincere hope that the safety standards of our Mosi-O-Tunya treasure be urgently enhanced. This will boost confidence of foreign and local tourists, lengthen international stays and encourage more locals to repeatedly enjoy the wonder of their land without thinking twice. Solo tourists must also feel as safe as those booked via agencies.
That said, be mindful of solo entries into the falls, especially ladies. Also, avoid carrying bags, be alert and be strongly aware of your surroundings.
Lastly but most importantly, I truly thank God that I am alive and safe to share these thoughts. Stay safe everyone.
God bless you all and God bless Zambia.
