Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) says it has boosted safety plans to mitigate crime in the park.
An increase in muggings has been reported along popular hiking trails like Lion’s Head and Camps Bay Pipe Track in recent weeks.
Lauren Howard-Clayton, Regional Communications Manager for the South African National Parks (SANParks), says: “TMNP has increased patrols in the vicinity of where the incidents occurred. The police, neighbourhood watches and City (of Cape Town) law enforcement are collaborating with TMNP in trying to apprehend the suspect who has been positively identified.”
According to Howard-Clayton, seven incidents – all involving cellphones being snatched – occurred recently.
She says a suspect was arrested but was later released because no charges were laid against him.
“Following reports, the suspect pretends to be hiking up Lion’s Head, Camps Bay Pipe Track – Clifton Pipe Track. The suspect identifies the victim, follows them from a distance and pounces on them when the opportunity is there.”
Capt Ezra October, Corporate Communication officer for the Cape Town Central Police Station, says an increase in theft of motor vehicles was also reported to the station.
October says safety measures have been heightened.
“Every morning, we have partnership meetings with SANParks, law enforcement and Metro Police to discuss crimes with regard to Signal Hill and Lion’s Head.”
According to October, officials have the “situation under control”.
- Do not carry out your activity alone. Do it in groups when out hiking, trail running, cycling or horse riding.
- Choose your route carefully and stick to it. Allow yourself enough time – start early. Inform someone of your route and what time you’re expected back.
- Cycle, hike or run during daylight hours only.
- Always take waterproof clothing, even in mid-summer, and wear walking shoes or hiking boots. Wear a hat or cap and sunblock in summer. Weather changes rapidly.
- Do not attract unwanted attention by openly displaying cash, cameras or other valuables.
- Should you have visitors to the city who are unfamiliar with the mountain, consider engaging the services of a guide to ensure they have the best possible experience. Local visitors are encouraged to consider joining one of the many groups that hike daily across the mountain and who welcome new faces to their ranks.
- Load these emergency numbers into your phone before setting off. TMNP Emergency Number: 086 110 6417. Wilderness Search and Rescue Number: 021 937 0300. Or dial 112.
Entry to the park is at the visitors’ own risk.
Nicola Jowell, Ward 54 councillor, says she recently met with SANParks management concerning the incidents.
“Law enforcement and Metro Police have also been briefed on this. The rangers are all deployed and looking for the suspect who is mainly operating alone but has also been seen with a second person at times. The suspect was arrested in September for a mugging. But the victim refused to open a case and the arrest could not proceed. The back routes of the mountain are under increased surveillance, and they are hoping to arrest him again.”
October encourages people to report all incidents to the police.
- For more safety hiking information, visit https://www.sanparks.org/…/security_alerts_and_safety
