CAPE TOWN – A woman has been left partially blind following a brutal and unprovoked attack while hiking alone on Table Mountain last Sunday. The incident has raised serious safety concerns for hikers, particularly women who frequently use the popular trails.
According to a statement from SANParks, the victim — a Cape Town resident — was hiking on a jeep track she regularly used when she was suddenly ambushed by an unknown man. The attacker reportedly assaulted her with a large rock, striking her multiple times on the head.
Rangers from Table Mountain National Park were alerted and responded swiftly to the scene. They administered first aid to the injured woman while additional teams launched a manhunt in the area for the suspect, who fled into the surrounding landscape.
Despite immediate efforts to apprehend the attacker, he remains at large.
Woman Survives But Suffers Lasting Injuries
The victim’s husband, Ken Noble, shared harrowing details of the attack, which he described as nothing short of “savage.”
“This mad man hit her over the head with a rock — three, four times — then tried to gouge her eye out. She required four hours of surgery to repair her scalp, and then had to undergo emergency eye surgery. She’s now lost 50% of the vision in her left eye,” Noble said.
The woman remains hospitalized and is receiving ongoing medical treatment and psychological support as she recovers from both the physical and emotional trauma.
Woman identity has been withheld for privacy reasons.
News of the attack has sparked widespread public outrage and concern, especially among female hikers in Cape Town. Many are questioning the adequacy of security patrols and surveillance on Table Mountain, one of the city’s most visited outdoor destinations.
Hikers and residents have taken to social media to express their fears and call for urgent intervention by authorities to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
“I hike Table Mountain often, sometimes alone, and this is terrifying. We need better safety measures and visible security,” said one local woman in a social media post that’s since gone viral.
In response to the incident, South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that it is stepping up patrols and deploying more rangers and surveillance teams across key hiking routes on Table Mountain.
A SANParks spokesperson said:
“This is a deeply disturbing incident, and we are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of hikers. Our rangers were able to respond quickly, and we are assisting the SAPS in the investigation.”
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened an attempted murder case and is appealing to the public for any information that may assist in identifying or locating the suspect.
As authorities continue their investigation, safety experts are urging hikers — especially women — to take additional precautions when venturing onto mountain trails, including:
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Avoid hiking alone, particularly in isolated areas or at odd hours.
- Inform family or friends of your route and expected return time.
- Carry a fully charged phone and a personal alarm or whistle.
- Stick to well-used paths and avoid taking shortcuts through unfamiliar or dense areas.
- Report any suspicious activity to SANParks or the nearest police station immediately.
Organizations such as Table Mountain Watch have also stepped in to provide safety resources and community updates related to crime and suspicious behavior in hiking areas.
This latest attack is not the first time violence has occurred on Table Mountain. In recent years, multiple incidents involving robberies and assaults have prompted calls for improved safety measures on the city’s iconic hiking trails.
Safety advocates argue that, while Table Mountain remains a world-renowned natural attraction, its popularity makes it a potential target for opportunistic criminals. They are calling for more surveillance cameras, better lighting in entry zones, and closer cooperation between SANParks, the City of Cape Town, and SAPS.
Ken Noble, the husband of the injured woman, echoed these sentiments.
“No one should fear for their life while enjoying nature. My wife was simply going for a walk — something she’s done for years — and now her life is forever changed. This must be a turning point.”
In conclusion, the vicious attack on a woman hiking Table Mountain has left a community shaken and authorities under pressure. While her survival is miraculous, the permanent injuries she sustained underscore the urgent need for enhanced safety and accountability. As hikers demand change, it remains to be seen what steps officials will take to ensure that Table Mountain is safe for all who visit.
Source- EWN
