Anton Louw
five attacks on Table Mountain in the first six weeks of this year have raised concerns with civic groups involved with safety that 2013 could be a bad year for muggings on the mountain.
At a meeting called by Table Mountain Watch, it emerged that Rhodes Memorial and Devil’s Peak were attack hotspots, followed by Lion’s Head and Signal Hill.
Karbonkelberg and Sandy Bay were also hotspots, particularly in the winter months.
Finance, Economic Development and Tourism MEC Alan Winde and Table Mountain National Park officials were due to attend the meeting, but cancelled at short notice.
Members of bodies representing hikers and bikers were present. In 2007 there were 21 attacks on 70 victims, with this reduced to a low of 10 incidents in 2009 before climbing to a high of 38 in 2011.
Last year there were 16 incidents. The reduction was attributed to involvement of the police and an increase in the number of armed rangers patrolling the mountain park.
Andre van Schalkwyk of Table Mountain Watch, a civic group concerned with security on the mountain, said this year’s incidents amounted to 2.5 a month so far, compared to 3.167 and 2.75 a month in 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Groups which seek to make the mountain safer were frustrated, it emerged at the meeting, but they acknowledged that between the police and Table Mountain National Park resources were spread thinly because there were more pressing issues.
“As much as we watch them, they watch us. As soon as they see that observation posts are not being manned, they move back in,” said Van Schalkwyk.
Previous efforts by both the police and the park had reduced incidents, but when resources were diverted criminals were quick to exploit the lack of vigilance, he said.
Robert Vogel, of Table Mountain Bikers, said that after a quiet year for cyclists 2013 had begun unfavourably with the area below the King’s Blockhouse being targeted.
Vogel said he had spoken to victims and established that the attacks were happening at the same spot – with a particular bush being used as cover. In consultation with SANParks, he had cut down the bush.
Groups emphasised that far from people being deterred, the mountain needed to be used as much as possible. They said there was safety in numbers – both in bigger groups and in having more groups on the mountain – with more activity making it harder for criminals to move around and operate.
They said that should people encounter suspicious persons, they should keep their distance, even if it meant leaving the trail, and report their presence as soon as possible. They advised that people should not resist attackers as those who had had been met with violence.
Incidents should be reported to both SANParks and the correct police station.
In the past there had been incidents in which a victim declined to press charges, despite the perpetrators being apprehended. They were then released and had attacked again.
Various channels had been created for passing on information. Mountain users could stay up to date on Twitter by following @tableMTB, @hikingcapetown, @safetymountain, @tablemtnwatch and @tablemountainNP.
The emergency numbers are 086 110 6417 for the TMNP control centre and 021 937 0300 for Metro EMS – both good to have in the event of any mountain emergency.
There are also discussion forums on thehubsa.co.za and www.climbing.co.za