Cape Town communities rally against Table Mountain muggings
After a recent rise in muggings on Table Mountain, Cape Town citizens have decided to join forces to take some much-needed action.
With ten known muggings on Table Mountain this October alone, hiking communities in Cape Town have decided to band together.
CAPE TOWN TABLE MOUNTAIN MUGGINGS SEE AN INCREASE
Table Mountain, one of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks, usually known for its scenic hiking routes and unparalled beauty, is now, unfortunately becoming synonymous with crime.
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According to reports, in October alone, ten muggings are known to have occurred, the latest being on Monday, 23 October when two suspects mugged a mother, her 11-month-old baby and a friend during a hike near Vredehoek.
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The criminals threatened their victims with a knife, forced them onto the ground and escaped with a cell phone and jewellery. Such incidents have alarmed locals so much so, that some are now poised to take action, increase civilian patrolling and raise awareness about the current threats.
This action comes in the form of a community safety initiative meeting, set to take place on Thursday, 2 November.
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“SICK OF NOT FEELING SAFE”
A concerned Capetonian, Clarisse Coetzee Bergsma, was moved to rally civil society after a friend was recently mugged on the slopes of Table Mountain, and she saw fit to organise Thursday’s mountain safety initiative meeting.
“I’m so sick of what’s going on and not feeling safe,” Bergsma said.
“We can’t leave it up to security companies and SANparks alone. We need to gather safety in numbers, report suspicious behaviour and do something ourselves to support existing networks if we want to continue walking our dogs on the mountain,” Bergsma added.
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The meeting is for everyone – runners, cyclists, hikers, dog walkers and nature enthusiasts – just anyone who is passionate about protecting Table Mountain. Details of the meeting can be found below:
Date: Thursday 2 November
Time: 17:30 – 18:30
Venue: Laerskool Jan van Riebeeck, school hall, Kloof Street