Five people robbed on Silvermine hiking trail

A group of five hikers were robbed as they came down from the Steenberg Plateau on the Silvermine hiking trail.

An 18-year-old suspect has now been arrested and is expected to appear in court.

The victims were reportedly confronted by four young assailants wielding a gun and broken bottles.

The nonprofit Friends of Table Mountain said the incident occurred just 100 yards from the trail entrance near Boyes Drive, above Lakeside, casting a shadow on the hiking season’s enjoyment.

“They took a Garmin watch and the belongings of another hiker (who arrived on the scene) and ran into the bush,” the organization shared in a Facebook post.

Another nonprofit, Take Back Our Mountains, announced that police have made an arrest in connection with the robbery.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that a robbery with a firearms case has been filed following the incident which took place on Saturday.

“According to reports, the victims were walking on a hiking trail when they were approached by four armed suspects who robbed them of their personal belongings before fleeing the scene,” Twigg said.

“We can confirm that four 18-year-old suspects have been arrested in connection with the robbery and will appear once before the Muizenberg District Court on Monday.”

Meanwhile, another incident was reported yesterday involving an attempted robbery of four female runners and mountain bikers at knifepoint just 500 meters from the tree on Tafelberg Road.

SANParks said the Sea, Air and Mountain Special Operations Rangers (SEAM Team) responded to this incident.

“This rapid intervention has resulted in the arrest of a suspect who was arrested based on an eyewitness report.”

Hikers are advised to travel in groups, select popular routes and remain vigilant about their surroundings.

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