Cape Town - SANParks will assess the safety of a popular hiking route on Table Mountain where the body of an unidentified man was found on Sunday.
However, it maintain that Kasteelpoort, where the body was found, is one of the safest routes on Table Mountain.
The 57-year-old man, found by hikers on the route at the weekend, was believed to have been murdered after witnesses described a gash in his neck from “ear to ear”. Police, however, confirmed the man died of a freak accident as a result of a fall.
Police spokesman Captain FC van Wyk said: “The circumstances surrounding the death of the man are being investigated and a death inquest docket has been registered for this purpose.
“Preliminary investigations on the scene suggested the man was a victim of crime and that he sustained a stab wound. However, after thorough investigation, it was discovered he possibly fell and sustained the fatal wound as a result thereof.”
Table Mountain National Park on Monday expressed its condolences to the family of the man.
SANParks spokeswoman Merle Collins said the details of the identity of the man are being withheld until his next-of-kin have been informed of his death.
Park management has encouraged users of the park to observe elementary mountain safety measures.”
Collins reiterated the routine building and maintenance of footpaths across the mountain chain are intended for the safety of the environment and the safety of users. “Paths that prove to be dangerous are assessed for the need for interventions and Kasteelpoort will certainly undergo such assessment.”
Collins said that in recent years a number of interventions have been implemented by park management to improve safety on certain footpaths. This includes additional steps, chains, ladders and safety handles.
“Kasteelpoort is regarded as one of the safest routes on the mountain.”
Collins said people should cycle, hike and run up Table Mountain during daylight hours – and do so in groups.
“The Table Mountain National Park visitor safety team have rangers patrolling Table Mountain on a daily basis. Other partner agencies and volunteers also co-operate and contribute to a law enforcement presence on the mountain.”
She said hikers should keep themselves hydrated and stay on demarcated pathways and trails. “Hikers must wear the correct hiking gear and shoes, and not carry valuables.”
Cape Argus