[WATCH] Couple speaks out after being stabbed in broad daylight on Lion’s Head after security failure

CapeTalk has forwarded the interview to the relevant authorities and requested responses on the issues raised.

A Cape Town couple has spoken out after being attacked during a daytime hike on Lion’s Head, raising serious concerns about safety on one of the city’s most popular trails and the response of authorities afterwards.

The incident happened over the weekend as the couple were walking down the path towards Camps Bay. According to Paul, who shared his experience on CapeTalk, they were approached from behind by three people — one young adult and two children he estimated to be around 12 years old.

Attack without warning

Paul said the group initially asked for food, claiming they were hungry. He believes this was a tactic to separate him from his wife.

Without warning, knives were drawn, and the couple was attacked. Paul said the intention appeared to be violence from the outset, rather than robbery.

His wife was injured while trying to fend off the attackers, while Paul was knocked to the ground and briefly lost consciousness after hitting his head.

The group fled the scene after taking the woman’s cellphone.

Concerns over patrols on the mountain

The couple screamed for help as other hikers were nearby. Paul said they later encountered a vehicle belonging to SANParks, with several officials inside.

While the officials did respond when approached directly, Paul questioned why no one had reacted sooner, given that screams could still be heard from the mountainside.

Police response criticised

Paul described the process of reporting the attack to the South African Police Service as frustrating. He said there was no immediate effort to return to the scene, gather descriptions of the suspects, or attempt to track the stolen phone.

A formal case was only opened the following day after further follow-up.

Lack of coordination between agencies

Another major concern, Paul said, was the apparent lack of coordination between the different bodies responsible for safety on the mountain, including park authorities, law enforcement and private or municipal security services.

He said that while senior officials later engaged with the couple and were supportive, the response came too late to make a difference when it mattered most.

Trauma lingers

Although both Paul and his wife have physically recovered, he said the psychological impact remains significant. The couple is hesitant to return to the mountain, despite it being a busy and well-known route, particularly on weekends.

Paul warned that if such an attack can happen in broad daylight on a popular trail, it raises troubling questions about safety for hikers and cyclists, especially during quieter times of the week.

For more information, listen to Paul using the audio player below: