Outdoor enthusiasts have been warned to heed safety warnings in the Slangkop section of the Table Mountain National Park after a violent attack on a couple. Picture: Jason Boud
Hikers, runners, and cyclists are being warned to take care in the Slangkop section of the Table Mountain National Park after a young couple were attacked there.
Two men ambushed the couple on a mountain above Kommetjie on Thursday September 5, according to a statement by Friends of Table Mountain, a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting the Table Mountain National Park.
“One victim sustained severe injuries after being violently beaten with rocks, resulting in potentially life-threatening head trauma. Additionally, his jaw was broken, necessitating the surgical insertion of a titanium plate,” the statement said.
SANParks spokesperson, Babalwa Dlangamandla, said Ocean View police were investigating the attack, and SANParks was working with the authorities to ensure the safety of locals and tourists.
Ocean View police chief, Colonel Rewayne Muller, said the investigation was ongoing and no arrests had been made.
The couple, who are originally from Kommetjie but now live abroad, declined to comment.
Friends of Table Mountain chairperson, Andy Davies, is urging park users to remain vigilant, especially in areas known to be crime hot spots, such as the route between Kleinplaas Dam, Red Hill, Witsands, and Kommetjie.
The Slangkop area had long been identified as dangerous due to its isolation, he said.
“This area of Table Mountain National Park has been problematic for many years,” he said. “It’s remote, which makes hikers vulnerable as there are no nearby security services or communities that can assist when something goes wrong.”
Stronger safety measures, including visible policing and a larger ranger presence, were needed in the Table Mountain National Park, he said.
“We believe visible policing is crucial for ensuring safety in the park. We've consistently lobbied for more rangers, who play a vital role in preventing crime, assisting tourists, and maintaining the park.”
The park’s vastness made it hard to monitor all entry points, but cameras at some locations could improve security, he said.
“The aim is to deter criminals and encourage them to seek less secure areas.”
Along with increased patrols, SANParks had joined the Table Mountain Safety and Security Forum, which included SAPS and the City of Cape Town, as a way to share intelligence and crime-fighting resources, said Ms Dlangamandla.
She said that SANParks had reported five muggings last year with three incidents this year between Red Hill, Simon’s Town and Kommetjie.
“While crime rates in the Slangkop region have been lower compared to surrounding areas, its proximity to residential neighbourhoods like Ocean View and Kommetjie means that criminals often spill over into the park,” she said.
Both SANParks and Friends of Table Mountain are encouraging anyone who has encountered muggers, even if they did not report the incident at the time, to come forward.
Table Mountain National Park’s operations room recorded all incidents reported to the park including those where victims might decline to open a police case, said Ms Dlangamandla.
“This contributes to a comprehensive database, which guides ranger deployment. By reporting incidents and growing the body of knowledge, the public can contribute towards enhanced community safety and assist law enforcement agencies in addressing issues more effectively.”
Park visitors are encouraged to stay in groups of four or more, choose their routes carefully and save the park’s emergency number, 086 110 6417, in case of emergencies.
“If confronted by a threat, do not fight back - hand over your belongings. Your life is far more valuable than any material possession,” said Mr Davies.