Security boost in national parks

SANParks has announced an increase in the deployment of rangers and a highly trained dog unit on Table Mountain to help combat crime following several attacks.

SANParks said the dog unit would consist of 12 dogs that would patrol the area.

SANParks acting park manager Gavin Bell, said they were very concerned about the increase in attacks on Table Mountain. Last month 57-year-old Douglas Notten was fatally stabbed while hiking above Kalk Bay.

“It is indeed regrettable that there has been a life lost. To this end SANParks has in the meantime increased its security efforts further to what is already outlined in the safety and security park management plan for the Table Mountain National Park,” he said.

Bell said after several meetings with members of the security cluster and internal workshops, their operational plan for safety and security was reviewed and upgraded.

“We will fill all vacant ranger posts to increase capacity in terms of visible policing.

“Moreover, SANParks welcomes the arrest of the perpetrators responsible for the incident that took place on January 13 in the Silvermine section of the park,” Bell said.

He was referring to the incident in which nine hikers were injured with rocks. Their bags were stolen during the incident.

He added: “SANParks is also investigating the viability of technological solutions given the vast terrain, the numerous access points into the park and the spillover into the park of urban crime.”