Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) has long been one of Cape Town’s crown jewels, attracting tourists, hikers, and locals to its breathtaking views and hiking trails, reports Cape {town} Etc.
However, a sinister trend has emerged that casts a shadow over this iconic landmark. This year alone, from 1 January to 16 May 2025, there have been 78 recorded criminal attacks on TMNP, with women representing more than double the victims.
Shockingly, these figures indicate the highest amount of violent crimes recorded in the first five months of any year to date, raising concerns over safety in the region.
Analysis of the data suggests that if the current trend continues, 2025 may shatter previous records, with projections indicating over 200 potential attacks by December.
The previous record for violent crime on Table Mountain was set in 2023, which saw a total of 151 attacks, yet the alarming pace of incidents in 2025 raises questions about safety measures implemented in and around the park.
Chairperson of Friends of Table Mountain, Andy Davies, has voiced his concerns regarding the uptick in violence, particularly towards women.
‘This is indeed a sinister trend. Attackers are always men, explicitly targeting women. Significantly, our collected crime statistics indicate that while historically women had a 7% higher chance of being assaulted on the mountain compared to men, this alarming figure has now escalated to a staggering 70% in the last four years,’ he states.
Davies highlights that despite women exercising increased caution while enjoying the mountain trails, they face a heightened risk of assault.
‘In other words, women are being more careful in terms of safety yet are being attacked by criminals with far greater frequency,’ he explains, underscoring the deliberate targeting behaviour of offenders.
The safety improvements on Table Mountain have spurred some optimism, particularly with an increase in the number of SANParks rangers and SEAM team members patrolling the area.
‘However, we call upon SANParks, the government body responsible for TMMNP, to do more in safeguarding visitors,’ says Davies.
He calls for a reprioritisation of the financial resources derived from the park’s revenues to bolster security measures, enabling women to explore the beauty of the mountain without fear of violence, whether it be from firearms or knives.
As cases of brazen criminal activity rise, there have been unsettling reports of attackers confronting groups of people simultaneously and brandishing weapons, casting a pall over what should be a serene escape from city life.
‘Criminals are becoming more audacious, even attacking groups of people at a time,’ Davies adds.
Also read:
Safety concerns mount as Table Mountain faces wave of robberies
Picture: Take Back Our Mountains / Facebook
