Safety concerns rise after couple attacked on Table Mountain hiking trail

A couple was assaulted and robbed while hiking on The Glen trail in Table Mountain National Park over the weekend, renewing safety concerns for visitors to the popular reserve.

South African National Parks (SANParks) confirmed the robbery took place on Sunday, January 18, after the victims reported the incident to rangers stationed in the area.

According to SANParks, the couple was confronted by armed suspects while hiking, assaulted and robbed of their personal belongings. The suspects fled the scene towards Kloofnek. Both victims sustained injuries and required medical attention.

SANParks immediately activated its response protocols, with rangers conducting a search for the suspects. However, no arrests were made.

A SANParks official later accompanied the victims to the South African Police Service (SAPS) to assist with opening a criminal case. Police are leading the investigation, with SANParks providing ongoing support.

SAPS provincial spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said a robbery case was registered following the incident, which occurred at about 12:30 pm in Upper Kloof Road.

“According to reports, the victims were approached by three suspects who robbed them of their personal belongings,” Twigg said. “The male victim sustained a stab wound to his stomach, while the female victim sustained injuries to her face and body. Both were transported to a medical facility for treatment.”

The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.

The incident follows a period of sustained high visitor numbers at Table Mountain National Park. SANParks has previously reported that the park recorded 1,708,289 entries between April and October 2025, nearly 20% more than the same period the previous year, with elevated usage continuing into the 2025/2026 festive season as air travel and cruise arrivals increased.

Ahead of the festive period, SANParks said it had strengthened operational capacity across the park, with 157 rangers deployed and support from the 40-member Sea-Air-Mountain (SEAM) special operations unit, which was bolstered earlier in 2025 with additional elite rangers, new operational vehicles and drone technology to support patrols and firefighting.

Crime statistics released by SANParks have shown a decline in reported robberies since mid-2025, following the arrest of repeat offenders and the expansion of specialised ranger units.

SANParks condemned the attack in the strongest terms, saying it remains fully committed to working with SAPS and other stakeholders to prevent criminal activity and improve safety in Table Mountain National Park.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact SAPS.

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Cape Argus