- Merely days after the city of Cape Town launched its festive season safety plans several people have been mugged on popular Table Mountain National Parks (TMNP) hiking trails.
- During the safety launch Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said About 4 000 enforcement and emergency personnel will be deployed across the tourist attractions in the City of Cape Town.
- In the recent incident British Ultra runner, Tom Evans also fell victim on Saturday 18 November.
Merely days after the city of Cape Town launched its festive season safety plans several people have been mugged on popular Table Mountain National Parks (TMNP) hiking trails.
In the recent incident British Ultra runner, Tom Evans also fell victim on Saturday 18 November.
Evans took to Instagram and said in a video he was mugged and beaten while training for the RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town race on Saturday.
He said as a result he has had to make the difficult decision to pull out of the race.
“I was out on the trails yesterday (18 November) and I was mugged. I was beaten up and I was held at knifepoint. Everything I had with me was taken. I have decided that for me and my health it is best not to race next weekend.
He said he would be returning home and added that he wanted to make sure he is “mentally alright which is something that I have always taken for granted.”
Evans cautioned other runners to be safe.
“For those still in Cape Town I wish you the best of luck for the race, but more importantly look after yourself and look after those around you because your safety has got to come first. I am incredibly gutted not to race out here this year.”
Stuart McConnachie, RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town’s race director, said in a statement they are saddened and concerned about the incident.
“We were excited to have him race at this year’s RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town but respect his decision to return to the UK. The natural beauty of Cape Town and Table Mountain is our greatest asset and perhaps this incident is the catalyst needed for everyone to pull together to find workable solutions to protect this asset that brings so many visitors to our shores,” read the statement.
He says over 400 international runners are expected to Cape Town this week and 2 000 runners will take to the trails over the weekend.
McConnachie said to ensure everyone’s safety on the trails they have increased security deployments around the entire route.
“We have the assurance of SANParks, the City of Cape Town, police and Metro Police that strong measures are in place for safety on the trails. We continue to work with them to communicate concerns for runners and hikers, so we can all enjoy the incredible natural beauty we have on our doorstep.”
During the safety launch Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said About 4 000 enforcement and emergency personnel will be deployed across the tourist attractions in the City of Cape Town (“Thousands of officers to guard tourism attractions in Cape Town during the festive season”, People’s Post, 8 November 2023).
Meanwhile, Cape Town Central Police says it is investigating a case of pointing of a firearm following an incident on Thursday 2 November between Lions Head and Signal Hill.
Capt Ezra October says according to their report, three TMNP members were deployed in response to the muggings. They conducted Vispol policing foot patrols during the intelligence driven crime prevention operation.
October says members spotted a man on the hiking trail walking in the direction of the Kramat, he was dressed in hiking clothes and officers followed him.
“At the end of hiking trail, one of the rangers approached the man from a distance with his headlight switched on, he introduced himself, the man became aggressive and didn’t want to identify himself and continued walking towards the entrance near the Kramat, the rangers following him caught up with the man.”
The suspect pulled out a firearm, pointed at the rangers, and ran away. The rangers gave chase, but he disappeared into the bush.
The officer explains that the suspect is tall and slender built, wearing black pants, black takkies, a blue long sleeve t-shirt and neatly shaven.
He says no arrests have yet been made.
Anyone with information can contact Detective Sgt Bheki Masangwaa on 062 796 1441.
According to David Nel, the spokesperson for Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR), three members, who were involved in a Lion’s Head rescue recently, were mugged soon after the rescue was concluded.
He said on Facebook: “We are saddened and outraged by this cowardly act. We stand in solidarity with our rescue teams, who offer such commitment and service to the public in need.”
Megan Taplin, Park Manager for Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), cautioned hikers and tourists to make sure they hike in groups, and inform relatives of their hiking journey, when they’re departing, and when they’re expected back.
She also warned hikers to hike during daytime hours.
