CAPE TOWN – Camps Bay police said no arrests have been made following an armed robbery at The Glen hiking trail near Camps Bay in Table Mountain National Park, in which a local couple was injured.
Three suspects armed with knives confronted the pair on Sunday, 18 January, demanding money and valuables.
Violent attack leaves hikers wounded
Captain Liaan Janse van Rensburg, Camps Bay police station commander, said the suspects became violent when the couple indicated that they had no money.
“They pushed the man against a wooden stump and he hurt his back. The woman was cut with a knife on her chin, cheek and stomach.”
Janse van Rensburg explained that the suspects took the woman’s iPhone and fled the scene towards Kloofnek.
SANParks launches search operation
JP Louw, South African National Parks (SANParks) spokesperson, said the couple reported the incident to rangers stationed in the area.
“The incident was promptly reported, and SANParks immediately activated its response protocols, where rangers commenced a search for suspects but were unsuccessful.”
The incident is the latest in a series of robberies that has been reported on hiking trails in recent months.
Louw said SANParks is providing ongoing support to police with the investigation.
“SANParks condemns all acts of violence in the strongest terms and reassures the public that it remains fully committed to working with police and other stakeholders to prevent criminal activity and enhance safety in Table Mountain National Park.”
Safety advice for hikers
Janse van Rensburg urged hikers to walk in groups and to avoid resisting when confronted by criminals.
