Suspects held after attacks at Silvermine

TWO arrests have been made following violent attacks at the Silvermine Nature Reserve.

This comes after violent attacks have escalated along popular hiking trails and secluded beach areas.

During the most recent incident, five people had to be airlifted from the Silvermine Nature Reserve after suffering severe injuries when they were attacked and robbed by at least two suspects.

SANParks spokesperson Merle Collins said: “To this point Table Mountain National Park has appointed a visitor safety team whose role it is to keep crime to a minimum in the national park”.

Ongoing surveillance, observation points to monitor the mountain, as well as an increase of patrols in the area is part of SANParks’s strategy to combat increased violent attacks on the mountain.

“(This) has produced many successes since its inception.

“In addition, the park also boasts a ranger corps which has as one of their roles law enforcement in the park.

“These teams are supported by a dog unit consisting of 12 level four security-trained canines,” Collins said.

She confirmed that SANParks had been alerted to the stabbing incidents over the weekend.

“Management would like to caution the public not to take the law into their own hands and not to interfere in any official law enforcement duties.

“Two arrests were made following incidents that took place this month.

“The perpetrators were responsible for a mugging on Platteklip and Signal Hill and were positively identified as being linked to the crime incidents respectively.”

To ensure the safety of hikers, Collins said: “Resources will be deployed to the mountain side above Kalk Bay where a criminal incident took place over the weekend.”

Collins said that as part of their safety and security measures, they would be identifying possible escape routes to assist the SAPS in apprehending the perpetrators as there are numerous exit points. They would gather on-site evidence to assist with successful convictions. Further operational meetings would take place with various role-players.

“Given the extent and remoteness of the park, it is a challenge to have a presence everywhere at all times. Our team is deeply concerned about any incidents and we request that hikers please save our emergency number,” Collins said.

SANParks can be contacted on 086 110 6417 or 107 or 021 480 7700.

We ask that hikers please save our emergency numbers