The recent violent muggings and incidents of pickpocketing in Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) indicate that a syndicate is operating in the area, says SANParks.
For the month of August, seven mugging incidents were reported, says Lauren Howard-Clayton, Regional Communications Manager for South African National Parks (SANParks). ‘All reported crime incidents within TMNP are currently under investigation by the police.’
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However, the non-profit organisation Take Back Our Mountain (TBOM) alleges that 12 incidents occurred in August. Taahir Osman, TBOM chair, says an armed suspect has been terrorising women and foreign tourists, particularly in the Kramat parking lot, Signal Hill parking lot and the start of Lion’s Head trail on the G-track.
He notes that the suspect allegedly dresses up like a park ranger and targets victims between 6pm 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 adds that pickpocketing has also been on the increase, especially during sunset when visitors scout out scenic spots around TMNP, Lion’s Head and Signal, News24 reports. ‘A group of Saudi Arabian tourists fell victim to such pick pockets and people that go to watch the sunset.’
He hopes to increase awareness of the incidents, as ‘SANParks have not yet put out warnings about the latest spike of incidents’ when the activity spiked.
The suspect was reportedly violent in some incidents with women who frequent the areas for runs or walks. ‘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,’ he said on 1 September.
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On 7 September, Howard-Clayton said there was a noticeable increase in crime incidents in the Lion’s 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.’
According to Osman, TBOM, SANParks rangers, local police and neighbourhood watches conduct safety patrols in the areas.
‘But the problem of a spike in activity during shift changes is still ongoing. The shift changeover occurs [from] 5pm to 7pm when it’s getting dark and that’s when the culprits use this as an ideal opportunity. We need more cooperation between SANParks, police, TBOM and neighbourhood watches that will fill the gaps created by shift changes.’
Conversely, Howard-Clayton says the working relationship between SANParks and law enforcement agencies is ‘excellent, fostering the sharing of vital information on how to combat crime in the TMNP and various other areas’.
He adds that rangers are strategically placed in areas that are considered hotspots to ensure 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.’
‘SANParks, along with these agencies, possesses leads and information on emerging crime trends and [is] 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.’
Howard-Clayton adds that rangers and law enforcement officials also aim to educate people on targeted areas and 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’.
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