A 44-year-old tourist from Ukraine has been confirmed dead after he was attacked while hiking in the Table Mountain National Park. It’s understood the man was in the Hout Bay area of the sprawling park when he was apprehended by multiple assailants.

Tourists attacked in Table Mountain National Park

It has been reported that three men were involved in the killing, robbing the unsuspecting tourist of his belongings. The police have reacted swiftly, and have one of the alleged knifemen in custody – the man, aged 25, was stopped by members of Neighbourhood Watch in the area. The crime occurred just 10m away from the nearest car park.

SAPS react to tourist stabbing

Andre Traut is a spokesperson for the Western Cape SAPS. He confirmed via a statement that the man arrested for this heinous crime would be appearing in court on Monday morning. Traut also revealed that a second attack had taken place in the same region of the Table Mountain National Park earlier on Saturday:

“The circumstances surrounding a murder are being investigated after a 44-year-old Ukrainian tourist was stabbed to death during a robbery while he was walking in Table Mountain National Park in Hout Bay this morning at around 11:00. He is due to make a court appearance in Wynberg on Monday.” “There was also another attack on a hiker this morning around East Fort on Chapman’s peak. One suspect is in custody at SAPS. Please take care when hiking and always walk in a large group. Carry self-defence spray with you and within reach.” Andre Traut

Table Mountain National Park safety in focus

The safety of tourists and hikers to Table Mountain National Park has come under scrutiny in recent years after the iconic landmark was flagged as a crime hotspot by the authorities. A spate of stabbings, muggings and unpleasant criminal encounters have blighted the region.

As well as hiking in big groups, tourists have also been advised to leave their valuables behind at their residencies and ensure that they have the numbers of all emergency services saved in their phones.