A woman was robbed at knife-point on Noordhoek Beach, a stretch of beach that is notorious for muggings, on Monday 7 February.
Fish Hoek police spokesperson WO Peter Middleton says the armed robbery occurred at a high risk area.
“This office can confirm that an armed robbery using a knife has occurred on Noordhoek Beach. On Monday 7 February at 17:30 the victim, a 44-year-old lady, was running on Noordhoek Beach towards the wreck from Noordhoek car park.
“While running she was approached by two young (20 – 22 years of age) males, one with a knife, and in trying to flee she ran towards the ocean, but they followed her and grabbed her by the arm and she was cut on that arm with the knife.
“They demanded a watch, cash and phone but only fled with the victim’s phone.”
Middleton added that the high risk area is secluded with little chance of escape.
“The area has been pointed out to be a high risk area for this type of incident and because it is secluded it affords the victim little chance to escape if such an incident occurs.”
In a Facebook post Jo Youens documented how she was robbed after returning to the beach without her dogs.
“I was mugged last night on Noordhoek beach. I returned to the beach to run without the dogs. I ran 2,5 km along the beach to dunes and when I turned back I saw two guys walking towards the wreck.
“I was just about to wave at them and give them a smile until I saw them suddenly running towards me and I knew what was happening.”
In the post Youens said she ran into the water but the two men followed, grabbing at her phone belt.
“I ran into the water up to my knees before the two guys grabbed me – pulling at my phone belt while holding me and trying to take my watch off.
“There was a bit of a struggle . . . until the one guy shouted to the other ‘Stab her. Stab her’ and I became aware of the knife in my skin. They broke some skin and I let go of my phone.
“They headed for the dunes and I ran the longest 2,5 km back to the car.”
Youens added that her screams went unheard although there were many people at the beach parking lot at the time.
Her advice to others is not to walk alone.
“I’m not running on that beach again without my dogs. Nobody could hear me scream. Nobody could see me there, despite there being a lot of people on the beach near the parking.
“I should’ve turned around at the last people walking back. We would’ve been safer as a group. Running alone is my best thing to do and sadly the silliest thing to do. Don’t be silly like me.”
