A joint operation on Table Mountain that resulted in an arrest was a highlighted topic at the monthly Cape Town Central community police forum meeting (CPF), which took place last Thursday, April 3, at the station in Buitekant Street.

At the meeting, police reported that during an evening operation on Table Mountain on Tuesday April 1, a man was arrested while allegedly trying to rob someone at gunpoint. He was later arrested with an imitation firearm.

The operations were in response to a spate of robberies on the mountain, and, according to SAPS media spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg, the suspect was linked to other cases within the Table Mountain area.

"He appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates’ court and was remanded in custody until his formal bail application."

Meanwhile, a joint statement by SANParks, SAPS and Camps Bay City Improvement District (Camps Bay CID) released during the same period, said over the past few weeks, there had been an increase in armed robbery incidents reported in the Lion's Head and Signal Hill precinct of Table Mountain National Park, and the stakeholders have coordinated information gathered from these incidents and eyewitnesses.

In response, the stakeholders have launched individual and joint operations to improve safety in the Lion's Head, Signal Hill, Pipe Track and The Glen area of Table Mountain National Park.

"Our teams are conducting both joint and individual operations in the affected areas to enhance security and ensure the safety of all visitors. These operations include increased patrols, intelligence-led interventions, and coordinated efforts to apprehend suspects. The safety and security of park visitors remain our top priority, and we are committed to taking proactive measures to curb criminal activities in these areas."

CPF chair Marc Truss said the arrest of the armed suspect on the mountain was a breakthrough and may be the start of a decrease in crime on the mountain.

At the meeting, police reported an overall increase in aggravated robberies over the precinct for March, with areas of concern including Foreshore, Vredehoek, Oranjezicht, Long Street, the transport hubs, as well as on Signal Hill.

Crime intelligence officer Captain Armand Brink said the snatch and grabs at traffic lights were becoming increasingly common, especially outside of the Castle of Good Hope, Darling Street and in Long Street, where cellphones are being snatched out of vehicle windows, or from vulnerable people waiting for e-hailing taxis on the club strips.

ATM fraud was also still a major concern, said Mr Truss. He said while there is information out there, and stakeholders were conducting pamphlet drives, there were still several incidents.

He said tourists were still being scammed by well-dressed conmen who try to convince tourists they need a “permit” to walk in the streets. The conmen will then lead the tourists to a quiet spot, where they are encouraged to use the device to pay for the supposed permit and punch in their PIN, after which they make off with the bank card and, within seconds, do fraudulent transactions.

Mr Truss encouraged people to inform tourists and visitors that they do not need a permit to walk the streets, or to report any suspicious incidents they see while in the city.

Ward councillor Francine Higham highlighted the concern of reckless driving on the Atlantic Seaboard, following another accident in Bantry Bay on Sunday March 30, where a drunk driver was arrested after he allegedly drove into a group of runners, sending two joggers over the road barrier ("Drunk driving is 'as good as murder', Atlantic Sun, April 3, 2025)

She said there was an increase in modified vehicles driving into the city in the early hours of the morning, raising concerns that bars may be trading after closing hours, and the patrons then get into their cars to drive, which poses serious risks of accidents where lives can be lost.

This was the third accident to occur on the Atlantic Seaboard in the past two months. In February, a dental surgeon from the Eastern Cape, Dr Ncumisa Mdlokolo, was killed by a speeding Ferrari while walking with her sister in Buitengracht Street. The driver was arrested for being under the influence of drugs and alcohol and was granted R10 000 bail by the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court.

Weeks later, in March, rapper 3GAR allegedly lost control of his McLaren 570S and crashed into a wall on High Level Road. He sustained minor injuries and was not arrested. She also asked for an update on the case, which had prompted the DA and the public to urge police to charge the driver.

Police reported that the case was with the public prosecutor and feedback would be given at the next meeting.

Meanwhile, Mr Truss said the issue of reckless driving has been reported to the traffic department by the CPF, and said the focus will now be turned to establishments' trading after hours as a preventative measure to curb future accidents and reckless driving.

Mr Truss encouraged the stakeholders in the meeting to be the eyes and ears in the community and to report suspicious behaviour.

"We have to share information. If you see anything, let us know."

The CPF meets on the first Thursday of every month at the Akker Hall at Cape Town Central SAPS station, Buitekant Street, at 8am. The next meeting will be on May 1.

Safety Advisory for visitors using Table Mountain, Signal Hill and Lion's Head:

The Camps Bay CID, SANParks and SAPS urge visitors to the mountain to remain vigilant:

Hike or cycle in groups of four or more, as there is safety in numbers.
Access the park between sunrise and sunset and avoid evening hikes. If you are injured, it is much harder to access areas across the park in the dark.
Wear appropriate clothing, including shoes and protection for all weather conditions.
Make sure someone knows your departure time, planned route, and expected time of return
Use freely available mobile applications that can track your movements for safety purposes.
Record emergency contact numbers displayed on park signboards in case of an emergency.
Ensure your phone is fully charged before your visit to make emergency calls if necessary.
Regularly check SANParks’ social media pages for updates on route closures, maintenance work, or areas to avoid due to fires or other hazards.
Report any suspicious activities or safety concerns to law enforcement authorities immediately on 086 110 6417.

We urge the public to report crime at the nearest police station, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS Application to share information anonymously.

#safety-tips

'Robber' arrested on Table Mountain