Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) has confirmed an attempted mugging incident which took place near Kleinplaas Dam in Red Hill, Cape Point on Sunday 9 June 2019.
A male park visitor was making his way along the road to the Kleinplaas Dam parking lot when two young males wearing black hoodies and denim jeans approached him with knives and a suspected firearm.
The victim dropped his belongings and ran away, alerting his friends of the suspects. By this time, the suspects realised they were not alone and escaped into the direction of Ocean View.
As soon as the rangers were tipped off via a Whatsapp Group member, they immediately responded, arriving on the scene in minutes.
The first and closest of three ranger teams arrived within 14 minutes of the call and were followed by two more teams from other sections of the park.
Thanks to the speedy response of the rangers, who were patrolling close to the area at the time, no injuries occurred and the victim was safely escorted to the incident location to retrieve his items.
Additional resources will be deployed to the area to patrol and monitor activity within it.
These are SANPark’s safety tips for visitors:
– Never hike, run, cycle etc. alone
– Plan your route from start to end and choose the route according to the ability, fitness and experience of the group. This will prevent potential injury
– Inform someone of exactly which route you are taking as well as your expected time of return and stick to this route
– Always be prepared for bad weather. Take proper weatherproof clothing even on a sunny day (wind- and rain-proof); torches (along with spare batteries and globes); good footwear – strong boots or shoes with non-slip soles; food; water; a flask of tea or some other beverage; and a rucksack to carry it all to leave your arms and hands free
– Go with someone who knows the way and carry a guidebook, map or route description. Getting a registered guide to go with you is recommended
– Stick to the designated routes on well-used paths. Heed signs advising of danger and do not take shortcuts or unknown routes
– Leave valuables like cash and cameras behind
– Be wary of suspicious persons who may pose as hikers.
Image source: Instagram @ottertravels
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