The incident is the latest in a recent spate of mountain muggings. Photo: Supplied
Three athletes mugged during UTCT race on Table Mountain
Three athletes were mugged during the Ultra-trail Cape Town 160km race this weekend, raising further concerns about safety on Table Mountain.
The incident is the latest in a recent spate of mountain muggings. Photo: Supplied
At least three competitors and a trail marshal were mugged during Saturday’s Ultra-trail Cape Town (UTCT) race in the Table Mountain National Park. According to Peter Flentov from the Atlantic Seaboard Community Forum, the assailants took shoes and other belongings from the runners.
The incident occurred as the athletes were competing in the grueling 100-mile event.
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Race Director Stuart McConnachie confirmed that the victims were shaken but unharmed, and had chosen to continue the race. When the incidents occurred, runners who had yet to reach the Simon’s Town checkpoint had been duly informed, McConnachie added.
The case has now been escalated to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further investigation.
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Brit forced to leave Cape Town
The incident follows the recent attack on British trail runner, Tom Evans, who was also a favourite to win the race. The former British Army captain was training for UTCT when he was mugged at knifepoint above Rhodes Memorial, sustaining injuries and losing personal items.
The incident had compelled Evans to withdraw from the 100-mile race.
Two weeks ago three mountain rescuers were mugged after finishing a mountain rescue on Lion’s Head.
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Not a good look for CT Tourism
Cape Town Tourism is concerned about the ongoing spate of robberies on Table Mountain.
CEO of Cape Town Tourism, Enver Duminy, told EWN that these criminal activities had the potential to dent the image of Cape Town’s tourism sector.
“The safety and well-being of our visitors are paramount to Cape Town tourism, especially as we approach the festive season, a peak time for welcoming international and domestic guests.
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“In response, we have strengthened our collaboration with the local authorities to bolster security measures to ensure a safer environment for all of our visitors, he said”
Duminy urges festive season visitors to rely on official information provided by authorities when exploring the Mother City.
