Cape Town – A woman suffered a stab wound and her dog was killed during a brazen robbery on the lower slopes of Signal Hill on Friday, prompting renewed safety concerns for hikers and residents. The incident occurred at approximately 5pm on Friday, December 26, on a footpath near the large rocks above the Noon Gun area, according to police reports.
Western Cape police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk confirmed that the woman was walking her dog when she was accosted by a man wielding a knife. "The suspect, who was wearing a green hoodie, ordered the complainant to hand over her cellphone and stabbed her," Van Wyk stated.
In a display of loyalty, the woman's dog attempted to defend her, biting the assailant. Tragically, the dog was also stabbed during the confrontation. "The suspect grabbed the complainant’s cellphone and fled the scene on foot," Van Wyk added.
The woman sustained a stab wound to her left arm and received medical attention. Her beloved dog, however, succumbed to its injuries.
A case of robbery with a weapon other than a firearm has been registered at South African Police Service (SAPS) Cape Town Central. As of now, no arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing. Police have urged anyone with information or footage related to the incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit tips anonymously via the MySAPS app. Residents along Military Road toward Green Point and those near the lower slopes of Signal Hill have been asked to review any CCTV or camera footage recorded between 4pm and 6pm on Friday, which may assist in identifying the perpetrator.
Meanwhile, the South African National Parks (SANParks) confirmed that law enforcement officials had conducted a robbery prevention operation in the Signal Hill area just days before the attack.
SANParks senior manager for Visitor Safety and Protection Services, Hein Aylward, explained that on December 23, officers received reports of suspicious individuals hiding in the bushes around Signal Hill. "SANParks and K9 units were activated and conducted a thorough search," Aylward stated.
The search led to the discovery of suspects hiding at the indicated location. They were found to be in possession of suspected stolen property and a dangerous weapon. "They were apprehended and handed over to Sea Point police officers for detention," Aylward confirmed.
At the time of their arrest, no robbery case had been officially reported. "This was a robbery prevention action. The suspects face charges of possession of dangerous weapons and suspected stolen property," Aylward clarified. He added that once the victim of Friday's attack opens a robbery case, the suspects could potentially be linked to the crime.
The attack on Signal Hill coincides with increased safety patrols being deployed on nearby trails. Earlier on Friday morning, a multi-agency safety patrol was deployed on Lion’s Head to manage increased festive-season foot traffic.
The patrol included SANParks rangers, the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Tourism Unit, SANParks Honorary Rangers, the Wilderness Search And Rescue, SAPS Equestrian Unit, City traffic officials, and private security partners. Teams were deployed from 7am and stood down at 11am, with no incidents reported during that time.
Follow Us on Twitter
