A family holiday at a popular Franschhoek camping resort has descended into anger, fear, and public outrage after a patron accused the establishment of unfair and racist treatment following an alleged violent assault. The family, who say they have camped at the resort annually for the past five years, claim their December holiday was abruptly cut short after an incident that has now escalated into a police investigation and a broader debate about safety, race, and accountability in shared holiday spaces.
The family had booked their stay from December 16 to December 23, expecting a familiar and peaceful environment. Instead, they allege that long standing tensions with another camper escalated into physical violence on December 21, permanently altering what had been a cherished tradition and leaving family members traumatised and fearful.
Children Allegedly Targeted Over Resort Access
According to the patron, tensions at the resort had been simmering for years, particularly involving what he described as intimidation directed at children and women. He claims that his children regularly complained about being told they could not walk along certain roads or use specific facilities, despite there being no official resort rules to support such restrictions.
He alleged that these confrontations never involved adult men, but were consistently directed at younger family members, whom he described as soft targets. The situation, he said, escalated dramatically when three children were allegedly attacked while simply walking back to their campsite.
“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.”
Alleged Assault In Full View Of Children
The most serious allegation relates to a physical assault involving a 19 year old nephew, who was walking with his sister and a younger cousin when the incident allegedly occurred. The patron claims the alleged attacker approached from behind and began choking the teenager after accusing him of using a prohibited path.
The attack, he said, continued for several metres and occurred in full view of two young girls, one of whom is only 10 years old. The children ran for help, alerting other family members who rushed to the scene.
“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.”
Claims Of Group Intimidation And Management Bias
What followed, according to the patron, deepened the family’s sense of injustice. He alleges that when relatives intervened, other campers joined in, shielding the alleged attacker and physically restraining members of his family. He claims the group was composed of the attacker’s associates, all of whom were white.
The family then approached resort management, expecting intervention and protection. Instead, the patron claims management sided with the alleged attacker and instructed his family to leave the premises, a decision he says compounded the trauma of the incident.
“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, speaking to resort management and owner and they clearly chose his side and asked us to leave.”
Forced Departure Deepens Sense Of Injustice
The patron further alleged that his family was escorted from the resort in a manner he described as humiliating and unequal. He claims they were summoned to the office and treated like misbehaving children, while the other campers were allowed to remain.
Despite an alleged agreement that all parties involved would leave the camp, the family says they were forced to pack up hurriedly in the dark, only to later discover that the alleged attacker’s campsite remained intact.
“We 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.”
Police Investigation Underway
The patron confirmed that a formal complaint was lodged with the Franschhoek SAPS. Police have since confirmed that a case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm has been opened, although no arrests have yet been made.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, with statements being gathered and evidence assessed to determine the next steps in the matter.
“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.”
Resort Responds With Security Measures
In response to the allegations, resort management issued a statement confirming that a physical altercation occurred, describing it as an unfortunate and isolated incident involving guests. Management stressed that such behaviour is uncharacteristic of the resort’s long standing family oriented reputation.
The establishment denied any staff involvement in the altercation and said employees acted professionally to de escalate the situation. Management also confirmed that enhanced security measures have since been implemented, including increased patrols and closer coordination with private security services during peak holiday periods.
“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.”
