A 30-year-old man is expected in court after two tourists and their guide were reportedly robbed on Lion’s Head, raising fresh concerns about safety on one of Cape Town’s most popular hiking routes, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Cape Town Central SAPS confirmed that a robbery case was opened after the incident, which happened at Lion’s Head at about 20:15 on Wednesday, 7 October.
Police have since arrested a 30-year-old male suspect in connection with the incident.
He is expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 9 October.
The arrest follows a report from Take Back Our Mountains (TBOM), which said two tourists and their guide were robbed on the mountain at around 20:00.
The incident comes as Cape Town moves into one of its busier tourism and outdoor recreation periods, with Lion’s Head and Table Mountain drawing hikers, runners, mountain bikers and visitors throughout the year.
For many visitors, hiking these routes is part of the quintessential Cape Town experience. But the latest incident has once again put the spotlight on safety after dark.
Police spokesperson Thembakazi Yanga Mpendukana confirmed that Cape Town Central SAPS is investigating the robbery.
‘A 30-year-old male suspect has been arrested and will appear at Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 09 October 2026,’ Mpendukana said.
TBOM has urged people using the mountain to be particularly cautious, especially during the evening and early morning.
The organisation also raised concerns about the current availability of visitor safety personnel in Table Mountain National Park.
According to TBOM, the park is currently operating without its Visitor Safety Rangers and night-shift safety personnel.
The organisation said it had approached SANParks management for an update on the safety plan for Table Mountain but was still waiting for feedback from the regional manager after five months.
TBOM has encouraged hikers, runners, mountain bikers and guides to take extra precautions while using the mountain.
Cape {town} Etc has contacted Table Mountain National Park for comment and will update the story once the response is received.
The incident comes at a time when safety resources on Table Mountain are already under scrutiny, with Table Mountain National Park currently operating without its Visitor Safety Rangers and night-shift safety personnel, according to safety advocacy group Take Back Our Mountains.
Take Back Our Mountains has urged people to be particularly cautious when hiking, running, mountain biking or guiding tourists during evening and early morning hours.
The group says the absence of dedicated night-shift safety personnel makes additional vigilance particularly important.
Take Back Our Mountains has also approached SANParks management for an update on the safety arrangements for Table Mountain National Park.
According to the organisation, it has been five months without feedback from the Regional Manager on the way forward regarding the park’s safety plan.
That uncertainty is particularly notable as Cape Town heads into a period when the city’s trails and mountain attractions typically become increasingly popular with both locals and visitors.
The reported Lion’s Head robbery has placed renewed attention on the importance of planning ahead before heading onto the mountain, particularly outside daylight hours.
Take Back Our Mountains has encouraged mountain users to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions as the hiking and tourism season gathers momentum.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Hikers urged to take care after four muggings reported near Signal Hill
Picture: Take Back Our Mountains / Facebook
