"Hi

There were several more attacks near Silvermine reserve this weekend. Numbers are uncertain but 2 or 3 groups were mugged by 2, possibly 3 men just above Boyes Drive yesterday (Sunday). The attackers fled up the mountain towards Echo Valley and despite a SAPS helicopter and numerous parks officials being called in managed to escape.

As yet no official description has been released, however it would appear that the 2 attackers involved in this and last weeks attacks in Silvermine have very dark complexions (described as Nigerian but obviously this is merely conjecture), one is very tall, the other short and stocky.

An update on the attacks last week: The incident reported on Wednesday occurred near Nellies Pool, not Klein Tuinkop as initially described. Another incident has also now been confirmed on Wednesday in which a group was mugged near Muizenberg Peak by 2 men matching the description of the Nellies Pool muggers. This along with another mugging in the Noordhoek Beach car park (virtually on TMNP property) brings to 5 the number of groups mugged in the TMNP last Wednesday.

So far there have been virtually no media reports of the Silvermine muggings. Please spread the word, take care when hiking ANYWHERE in the Peninsula mountains. It is recommended that you hike in a large group, and report any suspicious behaviour to 086 110 6417 or 957 4700. Carry your cellphone in a concealed pouch\moonbag on your body, not in your rucksack as one of the biggest problems faced by Parks and the SAP is the delayed response time due to the fact that the victims' cell phones are stolen.

Andrew Lewis"

And then today...

"Hi

The Cape Times carried an article on the attacks in Silvermine in this
morning's edition. (pg3) The muggers are described as neatly dressed
and well spoken. One of them was carrying a daypack. Their modus
operandi for Silvermine seems to be to ascend one of the ravines from
Kalk Bay and use the same paths to make their getaway. However hikers
should still be on their guard in other parts of the reserve.

regards
Andrew Lewis"

Sources: MCSA capmail Mailing list