CAPE TOWN – SANParks is planning to deploy core people to try and make the mountain safe again for hiking.
There have been 84 attacks in the Table Mountain National Park in the last 12 months, with hikers being the primary targets.
Over the weekend, two armed men ambushed a group of hikers in the Silvermine Nature Reserve. They stabbed 9 people before fleeing.
The attack has caused an outcry but it’s been one of many over the past year.
SANParks officials on Monday met with law enforcement authorities to come up with a plan to reduce violent attacks on hikers.
“We will be conducting joint operations with SAPS, we will be doing ongoing surveillance at observation points to monitor the mountain, we will increase patrols in the area… we have deployed the Table Mountain National Park Dog Unit.”
SANParks spokesperson Merle Collins says that they will continue meeting to monitor the success of their efforts.
Crime-fighting groups in the area want a focus on sustainable measures, saying the situation has reached crisis point.
Source: ewn.co.za
And then the Western Cape Government have this to say about safety in the mountains.
This modifications were made to signboards along Boyes Drive
What a joke man!
Oh I feel so much safer now
C’mon guys try to be an ‘All Star’!
The Mountain Safety Video video is awesome 🙂
Bru I will KEEP going up the mountain in my slops thank you very much 🙂
You and everyone else on Lion’s Head
Or up TM. But ya I don’t like tradding in shoes. Esp multipitch around town. Mission to carry them. and beside, a good pair of slops grips like snot. I guess it also helps if you’re not clueless.
It would be nice to see signs like this placed at the entrance to popular trails if they are not already in place. PS What is the crime-stop /emergency phone number for TM/Silvermine?
For medical stuff call Metro Control on 021 937 0300, for crime call SAPS 10111. SANParks’ emergency number often just rings and then they call Metro or SAPS anyway. Adds another, useless delay before you speak to someone who can help
Talk is cheap and easy. Actions are what count. Merle and SANParks have been paying lip service to this problem for years. Our hills have been taken away from us. How could I possibly live with myself taking my children on hikes? They, like the Western Cape government, have deeply failed us all. It’s time we stopped caring what politicians have to say. Honestly, what have they done, ever?
Another attack up Echo Valley yesterday (Sunday 28th Jan). A hiker was fatally stabbed. So awful.
https://www.firstpress.com.ng/2018/01/man-stabbed-to-death-while-on-hike-in-cape-town/
Makes me so cross, how do we stop this!? Do we now have to carry a firearm to protect ourselves and our loved ones?
I’ve stopped going into the hills. There is no solution. You can create as many action groups and have meetings until the cows come home. History has proven that NOTHING will be done about it, and even if something is tried (unicorns), there is no system in place to effectively punish these perpetrators. If the consequences were actually severe, there’d be no crime. I won’t take my daughters out into the hills ever, and as mentioned, myself I won’t go out.
I’d think though that those who do, should take a side-arm and be prepared to use it.
Unfortunately I’ve been worn out be SA, and am personally moving my family overseas now.
Good luck guys, stay safe. I wish you well
https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2018-01-30-how-a-peaceful-hike-ended-in-death-on-a-mountain/
https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2018-01-30-how-a-peaceful-hike-ended-in-death-on-a-mountain/
Police need help tracking duo linked to attack on hikers
https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/western-cape/police-need-help-tracking-duo-linked-to-attack-on-hikers-13117191?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social