News

Cape Town – An incident involving a group of mountain bikers who were robbed above Tamboerskloof in Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) received swift response when a collaborative effort was mobilized by the newly reformed Table Mountain Safety Forum. This alliance comprises South African National Parks (SANParks), South African Police Services (SAPS), and the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Tourism Unit. Consequently, the joint operation resulted in the apprehension of two known criminals with connections to multiple robbery cases in the Signal Hill and Lions Head area, after the suspects were tracked by TMNP’s Sea, Air and Mountain (SEAM) team with canines and the help of vigilant cyclists who pursued the suspects.

Following the surge in criminal activities specifically along Lions Head and Signal Hill, TMNP recognizes the potential for crime displacement when allocating additional resources focused on specific zones. To counter this, the SEAM Team executes targeted special operations. These initiatives combat crimes against visitors and environmental crimes such as abalone poaching and bark stripping. These operations hinge on information shared with and analysed by the SEAM Operations Room.  Information sharing has received a boost with the collaboration of the authorities in the Table Mountain Safety Forum.

While SANParks fully supports the freedom of visitors to explore and enjoy the park, we strongly urge all park-goers to actively engage in efforts aimed at curtailing criminal activities. Practising safe behaviour significantly contributes to these collective endeavours. Park users are urged to travel in groups, avoid nighttime activities in the park and report any suspicious behaviour immediately. Victims of crime are urged to open a case at their nearest SAPS station in order to assist in building up evidence against repeat offenders.