Table Mountain Crime Hotspot Patrols Stepped up | Western Cape Government

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Table Mountain Crime Hotspot Patrols Stepped up

30 June 2011

Media Statement by Dan Plato, Minister of Community Safety

Following my meeting yesterday with law enforcement, SANParks and the chairperson of the Table Mountain Forum, I am satisfied that all parties are committed to leaving no stone unturned to increase safety on Table Mountain.

With 25 new field rangers reporting for duty with Table Mountain National Park today, SANParks has stepped up patrols in areas identified as crime hotspots on the mountain chain. Four more rangers will also take up their posts shortly, with more expected to be employed as from August following a stringent interview process and fitness assessment.

With the assistance of SAPS and Metro Police, the mountain chain, stretching from Signal Hill to Constantia Nek, is being patrolled 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Many challenges remain, not the least of which is the fact that the area we refer to as "the mountain" stretches over a vast 6 500 hectares. All efforts must therefore be focused on strategic planning and strong partnerships to boost resources.

Our safety partners on the Forum, the civil society organisations, Greenpoint and Oranjekloof City Improvement District, Pedal Power, Tamboerskloof Neighbourhood Watch, Table Mountain Safety Action Group, Mountain Club of South Africa and the Paragliding Association, play a crucial role in being additional eyes and ears on the ground to assist law enforcement agencies.

I've also received a variety of proposals from private individuals and companies relating to concepts and the use of specialised technology to make our mountain safer and will be meeting with them in due course to assess the feasibility of these proposals.

I believe that this government's "whole of society approach" is the only way to make our mountain safer and because safety is everyone's responsibility, I urge the public to also do their bit to aid our efforts.

Mountain users are encouraged to take heed of safety advice, not only in terms of crime, but also to avoid other incidents like injuries and getting lost.

Between January and now, TMNP rangers and Metro Search and Rescue have aided in 41 rescues with many incidents taking place due to people underestimating the mountain and neglecting to properly plan routes and/or be properly equipped for activities.

Our efforts, through the TMF, to increase safety on the mountain chain are working. Thirty people have been apprehended on the mountain this year by TMNP rangers and were handed over to SAPS.

While there are never guarantees that crime will not happen, we will continue to increase the Forum's effectiveness to prevent incidents from happening and actions to address them swiftly when they do.

Media Enquiries: 

Jo Lennox
Media Liaison Officer Ministry of Community Safety
Tel: 021 483 3873
Fax: 021 483 3874
Cell: 082 780 0242
E-mail: jlennox@pgwc.gov.za