A Dutch tourist at a camping ground was allegedly raped and robbed at knife point. She and her partner robbed at knife point. Camping ground will be closed due to the incident.

A 25 year old man attacked the tourists who are a 25 year old man, and a 22 year old woman where they stayed at Five Mountains Holiday Park in Tuatapere, west of Invercargill.

The man with a knife had entered their station wagon as they slept around 6:40 in the morning, Thursday. Police said “he allegedly raped the woman and stole the money about $700. He was given interim name suppression and remanded in Custody when he appeared in the Invercargill District Court with charged rape. He would face further charges when he appeared in the Court on Friday.”

Shearing contractors Zane Barrett and Tina Barrett, a camping ground owners said they were devastated by the attack and they decided to close the holiday park at the end of March.

Tina Barrett reported to the New Zealand Herald “We help a lot for young people out and try and give them work and this is just a massive blow to us”. Zane Barrett replied “It is such a stupid, mindless thing to have done. The whole community felt down”.

Chairman Les Johnston, Tuatapere Community Board deputy said the town are fully backed her and was proud of the stand she had taken. He said “She’s a straightforward sort of person, she doesn’t beat around the bush and she wouldn’t stand for anything like that. It’s great she could do that”.

Detective Scott McKenzie of Invercargill said Police had talked to the man before his mother intervened and her call had played a part in overall scheme of things.

The dutch couple who were helping police, had not yet decided whether they would continue on their holiday camping.

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