Beijing: A 10-member Chinese business delegation has been robbed of several hundred thousand yuan in South Africa.
The businessmen hailing from Zhejiang province are said to have been robbed shortly after leaving the airport in Johannesburg, state-run China Radio International reported.
"Most of the people with the delegation went to South Africa for the first time. Some of them exchanged local money inside the airport and then they were headed to a hotel downtown inside a business van, which was blocked by three cars shortly after it left the airport. There were five armed robbers who entered the business van, taking off their luggage and some certificates," the report said.
The Chinese consulate in Johannesburg confirmed that some members of the delegation suffered minor injuries, and the total loss amounted to several hundred thousand yuan.
Members of the group gave details of the delegations arrangements in Johannesburg to a man they met at the airport, believing he was a tour guide.
Police believe that is how the delegation was spotted by the criminals.
