Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) remains a popular destination for locals and international tourists. However, crime and safety concerns have persisted despite recent improvements.
As reported by IOL, Friends of Table Mountain (FoTM) has called upon SANParks and the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, to provide a higher budget aimed at ensuring long-term safety and security measures.
According to FoTM, 96 muggings took place in 2023. In the year 2024, only 60 were reported.
In recent data shared by SANParks, it was revealed that 60 crime incidents were reported between November and December last year, as well as January 2025.
Scene after sunset looking towards Cape Town’s famous Table Mountain from the coastline at Blouberg.
According to SANParks, there had been a 4% decrease in robberies. This includes attempted robbery, robbery and theft from persons or motor vehicles.
Andy Davies, chairperson of FoTM, expressed that he was delighted to see that there had not been a repeat of 2023’s notoriously high festive season crime spree on Table Mountain National Park. He believes that this can be attributed to three things.
‘The arrest of a repeat mugger on Lion’s Head and the demise of one of two repeat muggers above Camps Bay, in 2023.
The significant increase in resources provided by the City of Cape Town and the improved collaboration between various law enforcement agencies and the public.’ he said.
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Davies further added that resources had been stretched to keep parks safe.
‘We understand that approximately 43 metro, law enforcement and traffic officers are deployed to TMNP at any one time.
This visible policing will have a positive impact on crime prevention. We are also very pleased to see that all the stakeholders are taking crime on TMNP seriously and working together to prevent it from happening.’
However, he emphasized that 60 incidents last year are still far too high for such a critical national park and tourist attraction. Thus, a lot more needs to be done to ensure safety.
As reported by People’s Post, Davies shared that the park had generated an income of R430 million last year, with only a fraction (R107 million) spent on the park’s operations. ‘Its income should be reinvested to ensure visitor safety,’ he said.
JP Louw, SANParks Head of Communications and Spokesperson, shared that SANParks has since engaged with Davies to explain South Africa’s approach to conservation management.
‘This is an approach which is respected worldwide and has led to SANParks being recognised as one of the leading conservation management agencies in the world.
To this extent, Mr Davies’ presentation of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) financials is incorrect.’
‘In the interests of ensuring improved accountability between SANParks and role players like Mr Davies who wish to play a role in TMNP, the Volunteer Safety Services (VSS) has been established.’
According to Louw, the VSS unites interested parties that include tour operators, community organisations and trail organisers who work together with SANParks to provide support to TMNP which enhance safety and security and ultimately, conservation efforts.
Those visiting the park are encouraged to avoid hiking on secluded trails, particularly before sunrise or after sunset.
Moreover, hiking in groups is recommended, as well as using trails with visible law enforcement presence. Any suspicious behaviour ought to be reported immediately.
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