GPS fiasco: Man shot, robbed after car GPS routed him to dangerous location
PTC Web Desk: American tourist old Walter Fischel (55) recounted a horrific incident during his recent vacation in South Africa, where he was shot in the face and robbed in a perilous neighborhood. Walter Fischel, hailing from Connecticut, had just arrived at Cape Town International Airport earlier this month when the terrifying event unfolded.
As reported by The Sun, Fischel shared his ordeal from his hospital bed, still recuperating from surgery following the attack. His intention was to visit friends in Simon's Town after landing on November 3. Renting a car and exchanging money at the airport, he proceeded to input his destination into the GPS, unknowingly selecting a route that passed through Nyanga, an area known for its extreme danger.
"I was on my way to Simon's Town to visit and then to Hermanus for a few days before returning to the United States," Fischel recounted to News24. "I chose the shortest route, not taking the highway due to reported traffic," he explained.
The GPS-guided route led Fischel through Nyanga, where traffic slowed considerably. He described how his car was surrounded by four men, ultimately leading to a harrowing encounter where he was shot in the face.
"As traffic came to a stop, one of the men reached in, unlocked my door, while his accomplice opened the passenger side," Fischel explained.
Attempting to resist, Fischel tried to grab the assailant's weapon but was shot in the process. The attackers stole valuables from his car, took the keys, and forcibly ejected him from the vehicle.
"I managed to retrieve my bag from the trunk, but they pursued me, grabbed it, and left me wounded," Fischel recalled. "I lost a few teeth and the bullet," he added.
Fischel was swiftly taken to a nearby hospital, but due to the severity of his injuries, he was transferred to Cape Town's Rondebosch Medical Centre for specialised care.
Reflecting on the incident, Fischel expressed gratitude for being alive but voiced frustration over the lack of warnings for foreign travellers. He urged the authorities to enhance safety measures for tourists visiting the city.
Doctors attending to Fischel mentioned the critical nature of his injuries, highlighting that prompt medical intervention was necessary to prevent life-threatening complications. As he continues to recover, Fischel awaits his return to the United States.
- With inputs from agencies
