Rangers have issued a warning against using Lion’s Head trails following a spike in armed robberies.
Lion’s Head trails targeted by armed robbers, rangers warn
The serene trails of Lion’s Head, a popular hiking destination in Cape Town, have recently been marred by criminal activity, prompting an urgent advisory from local rangers.
In a statement, the South African National Parks (SANParks) revealed that in the wee hours of Thursday, 2 November 2023, a robbery occurred on the trails, triggering a swift response from park authorities and law enforcement.
The incident unfolded when an armed individual, later found to be carrying blank ammunition, confronted rangers near the Kramat area. Although no injuries were reported, the event has raised serious concerns about hiker safety.
In response to the threat, the summit of Lion’s Head was promptly closed to ensure the safety of all visitors in the vicinity.
The coordinated response saw the SEAM Team K9 unit, Camps Bay Neighborhood Watch, the Community Policing Forum, the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement, and SAPS work in unison.
High-tech assistance came from SAPS drones, which were deployed to aid in the manhunt.
Despite the immediate and concerted efforts, the suspect managed to evade capture.
This has led to a reinforced message from SANParks, urging the public to limit their hiking activities to daylight hours, from sunrise to sunset, to minimise the risk of such dangerous encounters.
“While the suspect may have escaped for now, our collective efforts have made our community safer. Let’s remain vigilant and supportive of one another,” the statement concluded.
