/ 5 July 2007

Tourists robbed at knifepoint on Table Mountain

Three groups of hikers, including foreign tourists, have been mugged while walking above Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, the Table Mountain National Park confirmed on Thursday.

Spokesperson Phumeza Mgxashe said the mugging happened on Wednesday just after noon.

Two Dutch hikers, three Australians and two South Africans were robbed in separate incidents of cash, cellphones and jewellery by knife-wielding men.

Members of the national park’s visitor-safety team and Kirstenbosch’s safety team mounted a search for the muggers, which was called off at 8.30pm.

She said the park had a bank of photographs taken of people entering the park, and one of the photographs was tagged by the mugging victims. However, the matter is now in the hands of the police.

Mgxashe said the park authorities patrol the area with dogs, and advised hikers to walk in groups and carry a minimal amount of valuables.

Wednesday’s muggings are the latest in a spate of robberies on and around the mountain. — Sapa