South Africa - Cape Town - personal security still an issue

Posted: 17/12/2013

According to news reports, two Australians have been assaulted by armed attackers in South Africa, on Cape Town's Lion's Head hiking trail in the early evening last weekend.

 It is believed that one of the victims was stabbed following an altercation with one of the attackers.

The victims were robbed of valuable items including cash and credit cards.

Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching, mugging, and theft at ATMs and from vehicles, are still the most commonly reported crimes in Cape Town.

However, other violent crimes such as armed robbery and carjacking are significant concerns for travellers to Cape Town.

There have been occasional reports of muggings on the slopes of Table Mountain, the lower slopes of Lion's Head, near Devil's Peak, Signal Hill and in the upper parts of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

The majority of incidents occur around dusk. Although authorities have increased security patrols in popular tourist areas around Table Mountain, such as Lion's Head, the high threat of crime and criminal attacks still remains high.

Travellers currently in Cape Town are advised to be vigilant when visiting areas known to have high incidents of both petty and violent crimes, such as the city's central business district, popular tourist destinations and isolated outdoor areas.

RPS advises extreme caution, if you have to travel in these areas after dark.

Contact RPS on [email protected] for more travel advice.

 

Source: Red24

Photo: The Zambezian

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