SANParks dismisses claims that there's a crime uptick on Table Mountain

SANParks has dismissed claims that crime is on the rise on Table Mountain.

The non-profit organisation (NPO), Friends of Table Mountain, claims that volunteers have had to take the security burden after a decrease in rangers and a smaller K9 Unit.

The NPO said it independently tracks crime statistics on the mountain.

Spokesperson Andy Davies suggests that while Table Mountain National Park cross-subsidises other parks, it should be prioritised.

"Table Mountain National Park is an incredibly profitable park. I think the profit margin is like 300%. You need to take care of the goose that lays the golden egg. So, first protocol, SANParks needs to take good care of Table Mountain National Park.”

Meanwhile, SANParks said no official crime statistics have been released, adding that objective public records currently show single-digit incidents.

SANParks spokesperson JP Louw explained: "We are currently looking into securing newly trained dogs that will be integrated into the [K9 Unit].”

He added that while volunteers play an important role in trail work, SANParks maintains an ongoing structured maintenance programme.