Record-breaking year for violent crime on Table Mountain: 'Women 70% more likely to be attacked'

CapeTalk's John Maytham speaks to Leanne Mitchell of Friends of Table Mountain.

Listen below:

Friends of Table Mountain reports that from 1 January to 16 May 2025, there have been 47 recorded criminal attacks with 78 victims in Table Mountain National Park. 

The organisation reports that 'women are 70% more likely than men to fall victim to criminal attacks on Table Mountain'.

These figures indicate the highest amount of violent crimes recorded in the first five months of any year to date, raising concerns over safety in the region.

Analysis of the data suggests that if the current trend continues, 2025 may shatter previous records, with projections indicating over 200 potential attacks by December, breaking the record for the most violent crime on the mountain.

The previous record for violent crime on Table Mountain was set in 2023, which saw a total of 151 attacks, yet the alarming pace of incidents in 2025 raises questions about safety measures implemented in and around the park.

"... we've been comparing the stats since 2005... all the attacks we log are genuine... we're not double-counting..."

- Leanne Mitchell, Friends of Table Mountain

"... women have a 70% higher chance of being attacked than men, and there are more attacks... criminals are targeting women..."

- Leanne Mitchell, Friends of Table Mountain

While there are hotspots where people get attacked along the Pipe Track, Lions Head and Bo-Kaap, there aren't visible rangers, which is a concern, says Mitchell.

"We are not seeing the rangers in a hotspot... rangers need to be consistent and visible, and we're not seeing them."

- Leanne Mitchell, Friends of Table Mountain

"There's a social media post out now asking people, 'Have you ever seen a ranger on a mountain?' Currently, 47% said seldom and 42% said never. I live in the deep South, and I have never seen a ranger out of their car..."

- Leanne Mitchell, Friends of Table Mountain

Mitchell says the organisation has analysed some financial stats from Table Mountain and thinks more of the money made should be spent on resources for safety on the mountain.

"... Table Mountain had made R430 million and spent only R107 million on Table Mountain National Park... We think they should use that money and spend more on the Park to protect us."

- Leanne Mitchell, Friends of Table Mountain

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.