SANParks.org Forums

Any current information on this topic would be much appreciated. Is it safe to walk alone in these areas with camera gear? What is the current feeling of visitors in terms of security and safety?

http://www.capetimes.co.za/cyclist-stabbed-in-broad-daylight-1.1019380

I guess this answers my unanswered questions from last year. The NP response is totally inadequate and shows a total lack of concern for its visitors to the area.

Come on TMNP, you need to address this problem in conjunction with the local police.

It has almost become a daily occurance in the papers about muggings, stabbings, hold ups on Table Mountain, Newlands forest etc etc. I have stopped walking these routes and paths as I dont intend becoming another statistic. It is a really sad state of affairs and not enough is being done by the relevant authorities. The answer is always the same.

I think we all yearn for the days when we will be able to walk through the bush without worrying about being mugged or killed. We have such beautiful outdoors, its such a pity

http://www.capetimes.co.za/cops-take-back-mountain-1.1028549

Unfortunately, this is again in the news.

I am amazed at the naivity seemingly shown in Paddy Gordons responses. Does he understand tourists and their wants at all? Most people who visit the area will be carrying valuables such as cell phones, cameras and their wallets/purses. These are not things you leave behind on a hike when you are doing the tourist thing. Especially Cell Phones which may be needed to summon help in an emergency. The cyclist that was attacked recently didn't have "Valuables" on him and he was stabbed as a consequence. Get real. Beef up security and safety on the Mountain or it will lose any hope of being rated as a safe destination for world visitors. Your job depends on your responses Paddy.
Eish!!!!!

sanpfan

looks like we have managed to rattle a few cages, by putting this safety issue on TMP under Kruger postings.

Good!!!!

Do they expect us all to keep pretending everything is rosy in the garden? Not everyone can get to Kruger or KTP on a regular basis and may not want to. Surely if local sustainable tourism is to survive then everyone needs to be on the same page.

I will support you on this thread.

I am sorry to hear about the criminal activity on Table Mountain and I am sorry that you had to "rattle cages".

hi all

as I have said it is unfortunate but it is going to take serious misfortune to a high profile overseas visitor before anything gets done!!!

Glad others are willing to lend support, as the publicity about the probs doesn't make the national news anymore.

You must have missed the etv broadcast then that highlighted the problem SANParks have to try and keep Table Mountain a safe area for hikers.

Paddy Gordon was interviewed and came over very well and showed much concern for what is going on. He also explained just how difficult it is for SANParks to police the area: the fact that it is an unfenced area exposed entirely right around the mountain and that there are many caves and old barracks for criminals to hide in, making it even more difficult to catch them.

The fact that the police are now becoming involved show that this matter is being taken very seriously.

hi all

unfortunately am stuck in UK at present as aged MIL is seriously ill, so did not see programme,
but having been in CT for ten years and and seen the situation just getting worse and seeing very little being done, methinks too little too late.

I have been suitably chastised and had my thread removed over on the KNP board.

SANParks do a very good job the majority of the time and I understand the difficulties in policing a park such as TMNP which falls in the urban environment and is surrounded by human settlement. There are indeed no fences to keep criminals at bay. It is also not just SANParks who should be held accountable for the security of visitors to this area and the local police and other authorities should be involved and are.

It is the reported responses from SANParks that I take a certain amount of issue with. They seem to be reluctant to admit there is an escalating problem. I understand again how bad publicity may affect visitor numbers but so too will increased crime when the Authorities are unwilling to acknowledge the problems. Surely, this is in need of prioritisation and a joint effort by the parks administrators and local police to ensure safety for all visitors?

If we visitors are not entitled to bring this to the attention of those who can do something about it, I fear that the area will degenerate further.

During a MTB ride above Rhodes Memorial this afternoon I assisted in apprehending someone suspected of being a mugger.
While on the mountain there was a SAN Parks vehicle patrolling Table Mountain - well done. Secondly it was manned by 2 gentlemen, 1 of who was very fit - well done.
However, after the attempted mugging, we called the CT emergency number, which was answered by helpful staff, except they did not appear to be able to know how to get hold of SAN Parks. We were fairly helpless standing on the mountain, watching the mugger walking down the mountain, while the SAN Park vehicle was stationed at a visible point. Thankfully a mountain biker cycled down the mountain and alerted the SAN Parks vehicle who assisted in apprehending the person. A big thank you to the 2 SAN Parks people who assisted - they were very helpful and professional.

Suggestions to SAN Parks in Cape Town
1. Get all the authorities to know what telephone numbers to call should SAN Parks be required to react.
2. Put signs up on the mountain with contact numbers people can call in case of need.

The above will assist in a unified force to drive crime off Table Mountain.

Hi there,

I am a student journalist doing an article on crime on Table Mountain and Lion's Head. I was wondering if someone could update me on what is being done about crime.

1. Are there any plans in place to have the same kind of security on Lion's Head?
2. Does the prescence of security on Table Mounatin have a negative effect on the ambiance of the area?
3. Has crime increased or decreased since last year?
4. Are there any other plans on increasing security on Table Mountain in the future?
\
Thanks any help would be much appreciated

Welcome to the forum Ada.

I don't think these are questions that the forum can answer with any convition.

You should search the website and direct them to those who can answer them, and then maybe post the results here.

Re: Press Release :

TLTL

SANParks to beef up security on Table Mountain