A rather grim end came to an alleged mugger targeting hikers on the trails of Table Mountain when he reportedly fell to his death on Sunday 21 January, an unfortunate occurrence in an ongoing saga of ensuring safety for those wishing to enjoy the trails of the city’s natural gem.
According to SANParks spokesperson Lauren Clayton, a mugging incident was reported at Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) in the proximity of Camps Bay and Kasteelpoort, where two individuals allegedly mugged hikers.
“Details provided by the victims are that two suspected robbers stole cellphones, a watch, cash and jewellery,” she said. “During the robbery, one suspect was pepper-sprayed while trying to flee and fell. The fall seems to have led to the death of the suspect.”
Mayco member for safety and security reacts
The news was also shared by Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith on his Facebook page on Monday morning, 22 January. “A group of hikers were being lead along the Pipe Track when they were confronted by two muggers,” he related.
“The tour guide defended the group by spraying both assailants with pepper spray, and they both took off running.”
Smith said in the attempt to locate one of the stolen mobile phones, police, law enforcement and members of SANParks discovered the dead body of one of the alleged attackers near the location where the robbery had taken place.
“In attempting to locate the device and using the last location transmitted, it was discovered the mugger had fallen off the trail along with some of the stolen possessions. At the time of his discovery, no vital signs were present.”
His cause of death and the surrounding circumstances were under investigation.
Sgt GJ Bester, the spokesperson for Camps Bay police, confirmed that the body of an unknown male was found on Table Mountain and that an inquest docket is under investigation.
Further media inquiries surrounding Table Mountain safety prompted Smith to remark that crime incidents around the mountain spiked dramatically in August last year.
“This has declined due to the City’s deploying increased boots on the ground and the reactivation of the Table Mountain Safety Forum, which led to a great working relationship with SANParks and other role players.”
He added that law enforcement was also actively engaging hikers to share safety tips on the mountain and shared more on factors contributing to improved safety. “We have seen in the past that one or two key arrests go far to curb muggings,” he said, “and this weekend Metro Police arrested another suspect who was linked to two recent cases.”
Friends of Table Mountain reacts
Commenting on the incident, Friends of Table Mountain’s (FOTB) chair Andy Davies expressed appreciation for ongoing efforts to combat crime on the mountain.
“FOTM are grateful for the efforts made in combating crime in TMNP, especially by the City, who have provided much-needed additional visible policing resources. We are also grateful for the effort made by NGOs in facilitating reporting of crime and performing safety patrols.”
Figures of attacks recorded on Table Mountain and Peninsula provided by Davies reflect that last year October saw 24 attacks that involved 41 victims. The numbers went down to 19 attacks affecting 34 victims in November, while their records show 13 attacks in December that involved 31 victims. As of Wednesday 24 January, nine attacks had been noted so far this year with an amount of 27 victims.
He added that crime continues to be a problem and “it is very unfortunate to see incidents in traditionally crime-free areas like Kasteels-Poort and Slangolie trails above Camps Bay”.
“It is imperative that the responsible authorities continue making every effort to eradicate crime from this Unesco World Heritage Site and international tourist attraction. More visible policing, repair of fencing and effective use of cameras will help achieve this.”
FOTM encourages the public to continue to use TMNP, but in large groups, and to report any suspicious activity on the BUZZER community safety app or to contact the City’s emergency on 021 480 7700.
