British tourist Derek Bond, who had a horror stay in a Durban jail for 20 days earlier this year, has returned to KwaZulu-Natal — this time at the expense and guest of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN).
”I will finally get to enjoy the beauty and culture of the Zulu Kingdom, the warmth and friendliness of the people and I hope that this time round nothing will disturb my holiday in KwaZulu-Natal, said 72-year-old Bond in a statement on Tuesday night.
Bond was wrongfully arrested and mistakenly identified as international fraudster Derek Sykes, the man wanted for defrauding Americans out of nearly $5-million (R40-million) seven years ago.
He and his wife Audrey, who arrived in the country at the beginning of February, were on their second leg of their holiday, when he was arrested in Babanango in Zululand on February 6 2003.
He took the first flight back to London after his prison ordeal at the holding cells at Durban Central Police Station. He accepted a goodwill invitation from TKZN to return and complete his holiday — and also restore his faith and confidence in KZN and the rest of South Africa.
In a statement from TKZN Bond said after returning to United Kingdom his recovery ”has taken much longer than I expected and was impeded by intense media pressure for several months.”
”I have had several days in hospital and am still on medication and physiotherapy.
”My wife and I intent to revisit South Africa in October to say thank you to many South Africans who were so supportive but do not feel we can cope with the extensive media exposure.”
He asked the media to respect his privacy.
TKZN Corporate Affairs Manager, Lauren Kolia said: ”We are grateful to Mr Bond for accepting our invitation and allowing us the opportunity to show him the wonders of our province.
”His previous visit was a nightmarish experience and we hope that this tour will go a long way to helping him achieve closure on his ordeal.”
Kolia said he would be returning to Babanango where he would tour Isandlawana and Rourkes Drift. He is also scheduled to visit Giants Castle and tourist destinations around the greater Durban area.
”There are number of product owners who have generously offered their services to ensure that Mr Bond and his wife have a royal holiday in the Zulu Kingdom. – Sapa