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Robber's Pass
Pilgrim's Rest district, Mpumalanga

Date:1983
Type:Mountain Pass
Status:Extant

 


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Coordinates:
24°52'17.60" S 30°41'40.23" E Alt: 1789m

Robber's Pass is on the road between Pilgrim's Rest and Ohrigstad, Mpumalanga. It was officially named in 1983.

Transcription of English wording on a plaque next to the road:

MAIL COACH ROBBERY
ON 7 JUNE 1912, AT DUSK, THE MAIL COACH BETWEEN
LYDENBURG AND PILGRIM'S REST WAS STOPPED HERE BY
A HIGHWAYMAN AND ROBBED OF £129 IN SILVER COINS.
THE BRIGAND WAS LATER IDENTIFIED AS THOMAS DENNISON
OF PILGRIM'S REST AND, AFTER HAVING BEEN FOUND GUILTY,
SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IMPRISONMENT. IT WAS THE LAST
MAIL COACH ROBBERY IN SOUTH AFRICA.
National Monuments Council
1982

Apparently when Thomas Dennison was released from gaol he returned to Pilgrim's Rest and started the Highwayman's Garage. (SA-Venues, accessed August 2015)


Books that reference Robber's Pass

Coyne, Patrick. 2010. A guide to South Africa's mountain passes and poorts. Westville: Osborne Porter Literary Services. pg 208-210