International Award Winning Ghanaian Journalist Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman of Ghone TV in Ghana was nearly left stranded in South Africa after hotel staff allegedly stole thousand US dollars ($1000) and two hundred euro (€200) cash from his bag in his hotel room.
The journalist says he was shocked by the incident.
He narrates that “I am compelled to share a shocking incident that took place during my recent stay at the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice by Marriott Johannesburg Melrose Arch. This revelation comes not just as a personal disappointment, but as a dire warning to all those who value their safety and trust in hospitality establishments.My purpose in South Africa was to attend an award ceremony, with my accommodation pre-arranged by the event organisers at the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice by Marriott Johannesburg Melrose Arch. This seemingly reputable choice turned into an ordeal that I cannot remain silent about”.
Ridwan Karim Dini Osman continued that “during my 5-day stay in room 107, a significant sum of money – $1000 USD and 200 Euros – was stolen from my briefcase, a violation of personal space that should never occur in any establishment, let alone one that prides itself on hospitality”.
According to him ,his briefcase remained in the hotel room, untouched so he had no reason to withdraw any cash from it “as I had my visa card at hand, and the organisers had also provided me with a per diem allowance. I am certain the hotel staff stole my money. The basis for my suspicion that the hotel cleaning staff are involved in the disappearance of my money is that I meticulously counted the money on the day of my check-in, and I did not permit any outsiders into my room during my stay.
It’s also important to note that only the cleaning staff had the means to access my room”.
The journalist was further dumbfounded by the unprofessional conduct of the hotel management and the local police in south Africa
“On the day I discovered the theft, 5th August 2023, I took immediate action by reporting the incident to the police and, the hotel management, hoping for a comprehensive investigation into the matter. What I received instead was an email on the outcome of an investigation absolving both the hotel and its staff of any responsibility.
I write this post out of a genuine concern for the well-being of all travellers. Your safety, security and trust deserve to be upheld and respected at all times when you choose a place to stay.
The Protea Hotel Fire & Ice by Marriott Johannesburg Melrose Arch has fallen short of these fundamental expectations”.
Sourc:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
