In an effort to better protect residents and visitors during the summer holiday period, the City of Cape Town (CoCT) is rolling out a series of enhanced security measures.
Cape Town boasts several stunning, scenic mountain hikes on the outskirts of the city. In recent years, the increae in foot traffic on these trails has attracted opportunistic crime.
Last summer SANParks had their hands full with a spate of robberies and muggings across various hotspots inside the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP).
As part of its holiday readiness programme, the CoCT is beefing up security at well-frequented tourist sites, including hiking trails, historic neighborhoods, and the CBD
A focus on the mountain
Robbie Roberts, Cape Town’s Commissioner for Public Safety, emphasised the City’s commitment to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment this festive season.
He said Cape Town’s 14 popular hiking trails in particular will receive increased security attention.
“For the mountain trails, we are deploying from 4am in the morning until 12pm at noon,” noted Roberts.
“Then again from 12pm until 8pm in the evening. We are deploying a total of 32 law enforcement officers, seven metro police officers, as well as seven traffic officers.”
These additional deployments are aimed at offering reassurance to hikers, while detering potential criminal activity.
In addition to the hiking trails, the City is dedicating a significant number of officers to other high-traffic areas, including the historic Bo-Kaap neighborhood and the CBD.
“We will have a total of 100 law enforcement officers deployed on a shift basis, 24/7,” Roberts added.
“That is to ensure that our tourists and our local residents are safe and secured for the festive season in the CBD.”
New hiking trail opens in Johannesburg
Meanwhile upcountry, Johannesburg hikers have an exciting new hiking trail to explore at a famous local Nature Reserve and City Heritage site.
Hikers, trail runners and nature enthusiasts can look forward to trodding a new path at Melville Koppies, adding to the appeal of this iconic nature reserve.
Created by the Melville Koppies conservation team, the newly unveiled path traverses a rugged rocky ridge that was previously inaccessible to the public. Read more on that story here.
Do you feel safe on Cape Town’s trails?
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