SANParks: Increased boots on the ground approach alone won't ensure less crime in TMNP

CAPE TOWN - SANParks said increased "boots on the ground" alone won't ensure less crime in the Table Mountain National Park.

Ongoing muggings and assaults in the park remain a concern as the warmer seasons approach.

Just five days ago, a woman was assaulted and robbed in the park while hiking on the Pipe Track near Camps Bay.

SANParks briefed Parliament's portfolio committee on the environment, forestry and fisheries on Tuesday on challenges faced in the park.

SANParks CEO Hapiloe Sello said the vast size of Table Mountain National Park makes it almost impossible to police.

Sello said increased policing and rangers had resulted in a drop in crime on the mountain.

"We continue to invest in boots on the ground. It's a clear focus that we have. We do have plans in terms of vacancy management."

However, Sello said that "boots on the ground" could only cover so much.

"Where technology can assist us to cover vast tracts of land to have a helicopter view of what's happening in the land that we manage, we are going to utilise it."    

Sello said drones were now being piloted as a crime prevention measure in the park.