A bus carrying a group of 20 spa resort guests and the driver was reportedly hijacked and robbed outside Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria in South Africa – highlighting operational and security issues hospitality businesses face in developing countries.

The guests were leaving the Mangwanani African Spa in Elandsfontein, Johannesburg, on Friday 27 February. They were being transported by bus to the entertainment complex called Montecasino at about 11:30pm, according to local media.

Erin Limbert, CEO of Mangwanani Spas, said three men armed with R4 assault rifles forced their way through the passenger door shortly after the bus left the resort’s premises. Security vehicles that usually escort the resort’s buses did not accompany the transfer bus this time – on a journey that should take approximately 40 minutes.

The hijackers allegedly forced the bus driver and passengers to the back of the bus and drove to an informal settlement outside Atteridgeville. They reportedly stopped in an open field and assaulted the passengers before robbing them. Cell phones, money, jewellery, tablets, cameras and handbags were among the items reportedly stolen by the assailants. No serious injuries were reported but the assailants fired two shots into the air as they fled.

Investigations are ongoing.

Magatte Wade, Senegalese entrepreneur, is set to promote and support the African spa industry as part of her role as a newly appointed director of the Global Wellness Summit (GWS). Hopefully the issue of guest security is one Wade will be able to address.

Mangwanani African Spa opened in 2002, has its own skincare range, employs 1,000 staff and receives an average of 120,000 visitors annually, according to its website.