Students robbed on Lion’s Head
Three German students studying at the University of Cape Town (UCT) were allegedly robbed at gunpoint by a man on Lion’s Head last Wednesday.
Spokesperson Captain Ezra October said a case had been lodged at Central police station but the victims were unable to provide a detailed description of the attacker due to the darkness.
“They say he had a gun and threatened them, he took their jewellery, watches, anything of value from them as well as their bank cards,” said Captain October.
“They (three ladies) were part of a large group of hikers, about 15 people they said, and they were separated from this group and the next thing they were accosted by a man in the dark and they could not see his face clearly,” he said.
Taahir Osman, a founder of Take Back Our Mountains, a non-profit organisation, says muggings are on the increase.
“Several armed muggings have taken place on Lion’s Head, specifically in the Kramat section, Top Road, and the Bo-Kaap side. In one incident on the Bo-Kaap side, a suspect was apprehended by community members and a private security service. These incidents tend to occur during sunset so we urge users to be aware of their surroundings and engage in group activities.”
Mr Osman says that people can join the Table Mountain Security Alert group at 073 624 4287, where Take Back Our Mountains collaborates closely with community members, neighbourhood watches, and the visitor safety ranger.
“Through teamwork, we have achieved numerous successful outcomes in ensuring safety,” he said.
Megan Kassiem, a Bo-Kaap resident who has participated in the implementation of a private security firm in her neighbourhood, believes that visibility is critical in avoiding crime.
“They need private security to assist law enforcement and police, particularly on Military Road. There was a mugging on this road last Sunday, and if they just have two guards in this area, these crimes can be avoided,"” said Ms Kassiem.
Ms Kassiem along with fellow Bo-Kaap residents raised R6140 for the private security agency that patrols their streets.
Cerberus Tactical Security patrols the streets of the Bo-Kaap, and the monthly price is R395 for a household (R200 for seniors) and R1 000 for enterprises.
SANParks had not responded to an Atlantic Sun request at the time of publication.
