CAPE TOWN – Police have released a facial composite of a suspect wanted in connection with a vicious assault on Table Mountain that left a Cape Town woman with permanent vision loss.
Camps Bay police are urgently seeking public assistance to identify the man depicted in the identikit, believing he can help with their investigation into the assault that occurred on 6 July at approximately 12:40 on the popular Jeep Track trail.
Attack shocks hiking community
What began as a peaceful solo hike turned into a nightmare for Pérola Noble when she was violently ambushed by an unknown assailant along a trail she regularly used. The attack occurred on a route that is popular with both locals and tourists.
According to preliminary police information, Noble was hiking up Table Mountain when she was accosted by the unknown man, who initially engaged her in casual conversation before picking up a rock and launching an unprovoked attack. The assailant struck her repeatedly on the head with the rock in what has been described as a savage assault that has shocked the local hiking community.
“This mad man hit her over the head with a rock, three times, four times, then tried to gouge her eye out,” Noble’s husband, Ken, previously told the media.
The woman’s screams alerted two other hikers who came to her assistance, causing the attacker to flee empty-handed from the scene.
Emergency response and medical treatment
SANParks rangers were alerted to the scene and found the woman in critical condition. The rangers immediately administered first aid before rushing her to hospital, while other teams launched a search of the area for the suspect.
Noble underwent an extensive four-hour surgical procedure to repair her scalp, followed by additional eye surgery. SANParks has confirmed the woman was left partially blind following the violent attack, highlighting the severe nature of the assault.
With the suspect still at large nearly two weeks after the incident, police are conducting an intensive manhunt. Officers are reviewing nearby surveillance and trail camera footage in hopes of identifying the attacker, while appealing to the public for any information that could lead to an arrest.
Safety measures increased
The brutal attack has sparked renewed concerns over safety on Table Mountain, one of Cape Town’s most beloved natural attractions. In response to the incident, SANParks has increased patrols in the area, while local safety groups are calling for more visible policing on all major trails.
Hikers are being cautioned to avoid walking alone and to stay on busy, well-monitored routes.
Anyone with information regarding this incident or who can recognise the person in the identikit is urged to contact Constable Keenen Schutters or Warrant Officer Jerome Leste Matthews on 081 552 4066 / 081 432 6150.
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