Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
14 November 2023 | 17:08 CAT

Image: CapeTalk

Safety on one of South Africa’s most distinctive landmarks, Table Mountain, is in peril following a recent spate of muggings. In October, ten muggings are known to have occurred. On Monday, 23 October, two suspects targeted a mother, her 11-month-old baby and a friend during a hike near Vredehoek.

The robbers threatened their victims with a knife, forced them onto the ground and made off with a cell phone and jewellery. Such incidents have alarmed locals that some are poised to take action, increase civilian patrolling and raise awareness about the current threats.

In response to the concerning surge in crime on Table Mountain, more than 250 community members, security groups, and government officials gathered at Jan van Riebeeck Primary School Hall on 2 November to discuss proactive measures to enhance mountain safety. The meeting was organized as part of the Mountain Safety Initiative, which aims to actively empower the community to curate criminal activities.

Blake Dyason, the founder of Love Our Trails, urged the attendees to become part of the solution. Dyason emphasized the importance of community involvement in assisting law enforcement by being the “eyes and ears” on Table Mountain.

He encourages the community to engage with various social media groups and save contact details for organizations dedicated to mountain safety, such as Love Our Trails, Take Back our Mountain, Friends of Cape Town, Sanparks, and Wilderness Search and Rescue.

Dyason has been involved in mountain search and rescue, trail maintenance, safety and security for years.

While he approves of citizen patrolling, he disapproves of citizens taking the law into their own hands. Rather, the emphasis is on visibility and safety in numbers. “What we want is volunteers to walk trails and report things that could prevent crime,” he adds.

Listen to the full interview on Sabahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.