Safety at attractions in Cape Town is back in the spotlight ahead of the summer festive season. This comes after two German tourists were mugged in Kalk Bay last week.

According to SANParks, the incident occurred on Thursday, 21 November. The tourists were attacked and robbed of their belongings while hiking along the Echo Valley trail, off Boyes Drive. One of the tourists was injured. SANParks spokesperson, JP Louw, says rangers and police responded promptly to assist.

“One of the victims was treated at the scene by paramedics and later returned to their accommodation.”

Meanwhile, the SAPS has launched an investigation into the incident.  Provincial police spokesperson, Captain Frederick Van Wyk, urged persons with any information to come forward.

“A case docket of robbery has been opened for investigation. Statements has been obtained through the use of an interpreter. No arrest as yet, investigations continue.”

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Taahir Osman, founder of the safety organisation, Take Back Our Mountains, says the injured tourist sustained a stab wound in the face.

He says this incident forms part of an alarming trend of muggings in the area, specifically around Boyes Drive, the Silvermine and Echo Valley trails.

“There’s been quite a few muggings [in] the past weeks… In the first two incidents, I believe they were armed with a firearm, and now with knives as well… It could be a group that are busy in the area, because it seems quite frequent.”

While Osman believes security visibility should be heightened in the area, similar to that seen on Table Mountain, he also noted that hikers should take the necessary precautions.

“Both locals and the tourists shouldn’t be afraid to explore. They should just do it in a safe way. When you wander on your own and in smaller groups and [in] more remote areas, then you’re asking for trouble. Tourists should probably reach out to local guides and hiking clubs for advice on which areas are dangerous.”

Osman recommended that tourists use tools such as the Table Mountain Crime Map (below) to stay up to date.

Meanwhile, Louw asserts that SANParks is prioritising tourists’ safety.

“The safety and security of our visitors remains a top priority and we have started putting in place measures that are generally showing positive results in the push against criminal activities.”

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