Africa-Press – South-Africa. Violent muggings and incidents of pickpocketing saw another spike, indicating a possible syndicate active on Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) targeting women and foreign tourists. Law enforcement agencies have been sharpening their focus after at least seven incidents of crime were confirmed for August.
This follows the non-profit organisation (NPO) Take Back Our Mountain (TBOM), noting that around 13 incidents allegedly occurred in August alone.
However, Lauren Howard-Clayton, Regional Communications Manager for South African National Parks (SANParks), confirmed that “regrettably, for the month of August, seven mugging incidents were reported… All reported crime incidents within TMNP are currently under investigation by the police.”
The founder of TBOM Taahir Osman informed People’s Post of an armed suspect terrorising women and foreign tourists frequenting the Lion’s Head and Signal Hill, particularly in the Kramat parking lot, Signal Hill parking lot and the start of Lion’s Head trail on the G-track.
He pointed to the suspect allegedly dressing up like a park ranger, prowling on victims between 18:00 and midnight. “We’re not sure if it is a real firearm, but it looks like the suspect has mugged 13 times in the past month. It’s quite a concern as he allegedly mugged three German students last week, as well as a German couple in a separate incident three days ago,” Osman said on Friday 1 September.
Pickpocketing has also seen an increase, he added, especially during sunset when visitors scout out scenic spots around TMNP, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill.
“A group of Saudi Arabian tourists fell victim to such pick pockets and people that go to watch the sunset.”
Osman also said he wished to increase awareness of this dangerous activity, since “SANParks have not yet put out warnings about the latest spike of incidents” at the time the activity spiked.
He claimed the armed assailant proved physically violent in some incidents with women who frequent the areas for walks or runs.
“He physically attacked a female runner, smashed out her car lights and knocked her out. Two fake firearms were also found stashed on these busy routes two nights ago,” Osman alleged.
Nearly a week later, on Thursday 7 September, Howard-Clayton confirmed there was a noticeable increase in crime incidents in the Lions Head/Signal Hill area.
“SANParks holds weekly meetings with all law enforcement agencies and as these meetings are chaired by the police, various reported crime incidents that take place along the mountain and adjacent areas and strategies to address them are discussed.”
People’s Post contacted the Cape Town Central Police Station for a comment but had not received feedback at the time of going to print.
Osman added that visitor safety patrols were being conducted by TBOM, SANParks rangers, local police and neighbourhood watches.
“But the problem of a spike in activity during shift changes is still ongoing.
“The shift changeover occurs during 17:00 to 19:00 when it’s getting dark and that’s when the culprits use this as an ideal opportunity.”
Osman identified one shortfall in that all the agencies patrolling these areas worked in silos.
“We need more cooperation between SANParks, police, TBOM and neighbourhood watches that will fill the gaps created by shift changes.”
Howard-Clayton, however, ensures that the working relationship between SANParks and these law enforcement agencies is “excellent, fostering the sharing of vital information on how to combat crime in the TMNP and various other areas”.
To enhance security, Howard says rangers are strategically deployed in what are considered “hotspots”, ensuring their visibility and vigilance.
“The Park operates in these areas on a 24-hour basis, with various shifts in place. Special operations are planned and executed by SANParks rangers and joint operations with police and City law enforcement are conducted to target spikes in crime.”
Several operations have been conducted in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and the police and these efforts are ongoing.
“SANParks, along with these agencies, possesses leads and information on emerging crime trends and are confident about making arrests in the near future.
“Some of this information points to the involvement of syndicate groups in criminal activities within the area.”
There is also a focus on proactively providing information to park users on the safe use of trails and facilities in TMNP.
“Rangers and law enforcement officers educate people on areas that are targeted as well as safe behaviour: conducting activities in groups and not alone and avoiding using the park after sunset. Park users are urged to follow the safety recommendations, report any incidents immediately and remain vigilant,” says Howard.
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