In yet another crime incident on Cape Town’s hiking trails, a large group of hikers were robbed at gunpoint on Sunday morning near Duiker Island, just off the coast of Hout Bay. Three suspects, all toting guns, approached the group of 11 while on a hike and robbed them.
According to Captain FC Van Wyk, SAPS spokesperson, the case is under investigation. “Three suspects are involved, but no arrests have been made yet,” he said. “SAPS will continue to investigate the incident.”
This follows a recent spate of attacks on hikers in the Cape Town area, prompting many concerns about the safety of hikers and cyclists. Merle Collins, communications manager of SANParks, says visible policing will be stepped up in the area.
“The Hout Bay Area has been earmarked as a hotspot of criminal activity. It is an area that is popular with tourists and hikers alike. SANParks and SAPS are working together on visible policing patrols in the area,” she said.
Collins added that the area is very permeable, with wide access to whomever wishes to enter. “This allows even unsavoury elements to access the area,” she said. No deaths or injuries have been reported from the incident, but Collins maintains that security will be “tightened”.
Group of 11 hikers held up at gunpoint today at 9am. #houtbay #karbonkelberg #sealisland area. Rescue still in progress!! This cannot carry on. pic.twitter.com/P3n3jv5OI2
— Table Mountain Watch (@TableMntnWatch) March 25, 2018
In a separate incident also on Sunday, a hiker was stabbed while out on a walk in the Vlakkenberg area. It is unknown what his condition is, or whether the attacker has been caught. We will update as soon as we have more details. Picture: Pixabay