With nearly 3-million visitors in 2023-4, the park attracts more visitors than any of the other parks managed by SANParks, including the Kruger National Park. Nearly half of all SANParks visitors come to Table Mountain, according to SANParks annual report.

A petition launched about a month ago called the #SaveTableMountain campaign, driven by Friends of Table Mountain, calls on SANParks to address safety at crime hotspots.

There were 59 robberies in Table Mountain National Park in 2022, 133 in 2023, and 58 in 2024, according to SANParks. Already this year there have been 53 robberies, and since robberies tend to spike towards the end of the year — in 2023 there were 30 robberies in October, 38 in November, and 11 in December — volunteers fear the worst is still to come.

Volunteer groups working in the Table Mountain National Park say there has been an increase in violent crime on the mountain.

SANParks denies that there is an increase in crime on the mountain. “There was a spike earlier this year but figures have since stabilised to below single digits,” said spokesperson JP Louw.

“There are spikes in incidents and crime that happen over the years during certain months, particularly the summer months when there are more tourists visiting Cape Town,” he said.

But volunteer groups do not agree. “Crime is on an active increase,” said Blake Dyason, founder of volunteer group Love our Trails.

“The crime is getting worse every year,” said Taahir Osman, founder of Take Back Our Mountains. He said that from 2023 to now, they’ve noticed an uptick in violent crime.

Louw said the mountain was “an open access park with numerous entry points and an extensive urban-park interface. The park is affected by urban crime spillover. This makes law enforcement challenging and means it’s vital to have joint effort with SAPS and City law enforcement.”

He said they were collaborating with SAPS and the City of Cape Town on joint patrols and information sharing.

But Dyason says most of the muggings and car break-ins take place at a few hotspots such as Lion’s Head and Signal Hill.

Signatories to the #SaveTableMountain petition have also raised concerns about overgrown or deteriorating trails, insufficient signage on trails, and invasive vegetation and trees.

They also complain about decaying tourism infrastructure, such as the Rhodes Memorial Tea Garden which burnt down in 2021 and has not been repaired, as well as other infrastructure at Orange Kloof Tented Camp, Lister’s Tearoom and the Tokai Manor House.

Louw said that tenders had been advertised for bulk services upgrades of the Tokai area and the Rhodes Memorial restaurant, to be completed in 2026. A heritage management plan is also being developed for the Tokai Arboretum, said Louw.

Rhodes Memorial restaurant will have its bulk services upgraded by 2026, according to SANParks.

Several volunteer groups work on the mountain. They maintain hiking trails, do safety patrols, and remove invasive species. “There is a lot of unhappiness with the way the park is being managed,” said Andy Davies, Friends of Table Mountain chairperson.

The group regularly fixes eroded and deteriorating trails on the mountain and puts up signage on trails to prevent people from getting lost. Last year, they fixed about 30km of trails.

Davies said SANParks often did not respond to reports of problems. “We don’t want to be entitled and demand stuff. We are trying to be constructive. We want to prevent the damage to trails and infrastructure,” he said.

Andy Davies, chairperson of Friends of Table Mountain, says they fixed about 30km of trails last year. Louw said there were 850km of trails in the park.

“Trail maintenance is continuous due to wear and tear from millions of users, winter rains which cause erosion, and fires which affect trail infrastructure and soil stability,” said Louw.

Dyason was concerned that SANParks was relying too much on all the volunteer groups working on the mountain. “If those groups stopped doing what they did, this mountain would be in serious trouble,” he said.

However, not all volunteer groups working on the mountain are critical of SANParks. Maya Naumann, from the Sugarbird Project, which removes invasive alien species on Table Mountain, said that they’ve established a good formalised relationship with SANParks.

“It was never an expectation we had that SANParks could do this on their own because it’s such a big problem,” she said.

This article was republished with permission from GroundUp, the original article can be found here.

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“Visitors explored the latest fire protection systems, including smart alarms, fire doors, sprinklers, extinguishers, and passive fire prevention materials. The presence of leading local and international fire solution providers made Firexpo a comprehensive destination for risk reduction and regulatory compliance,” says Mark Anderson, portfolio director at Specialised Exhibitions, a division of Montgomery Group.

A centrepiece of the event was the Firexpo Seminar Theatre, where experts shared their knowledge on legislation, best practices, and innovation in the fire safety sector. Complementing this was the highly regarded FPASA InFIReS Seminar, drawing interest from insurance underwriters, safety engineers, and municipal fire service leaders.

“Firexpo 2025 played a vital role in helping professionals understand how to meet fire safety requirements while integrating new technologies into their overall safety strategies,” says Anderson. Visitor and exhibitor feedback

Both new and returning participants praised Firexpo 2025 for its practical relevance and direct value to fire professionals. Exhibitors noted the excellent level of interest and strong potential leads generated.

De Wet Engelbrecht from Fire Ops SA says: “Firexpo can be summed up as innovative, industry leading, and an eye-opener in what’s going on in the industry. Collaboration is a positive factor. We picked up a large contract and four major leads on our first morning. The show exceeded my expectations. You need to adapt to technology in this industry to stay ahead.”

Sizani Valves’ Zuko Hlanekela says: “Wow, what a great show. Firexpo gives us exposure and lets us interact with other fire product and service suppliers. This was really fantastic for our market.”

TNO Holdings’ Khethiwe Dlamini says: “Firexpo and Facilities Management Expo were great, and I loved the valuable networking opportunities available, and the informative nature of the event, coupled with the wide variety of products on display.”

Colin Mokwape from SAICA (South African Institute of Chartered Accountants) says: “I found the stands I visited at Firexpo very informative, and I came away with material that was useful.”

“Firexpo 2025 attracted fire safety professionals and first responders eager to explore the latest solutions and industry trends. Exhibitors reported strong leads and valuable engagement, while visitors appreciated the live demos, expert advice, and practical insights gained throughout the show. Next on the calendar is our 4-shows Cape Town event — taking place from 21 to 23 October at the Cape Town International Conference Centre — and next year’s Johannesburg event, which takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre from 2 to 4 June. Full details of both shows are available on our website at www.firexpo.co.za,” says Anderson.

Organisations wishing to exhibit at Firexpo Cape Town 2025, or Firexpo 2026, can contact the Firexpo team on zelda.jordaan@montgomerygroup.com or johan.vanheerden@montgomerygroup.com to book a space or capitalise on a sponsorship opportunity.

See some of the Firexpo 2025 highlights here.

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The operation, led by MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela and Premier Panyaza Lesufi, got underway on Monday on the N12 Highway. There were blue flashing lights, roadblocks, and a strong police presence, the atmosphere tense but optimistic – just like the gravity of the work to be done.

“Crime has become too normalised in areas such as Slovo Park,” Diale-Tlabela told reporters at the scene.

“But that stops today. The Premier will shortly be announcing an integrated approach on crime. We are working together with community-based organisations in crime-ridden areas of the province. And today, our presence here is not symbolic – it’s action-oriented.”

Safety in numbers: A multi-layered approach

The Easter road safety campaign is not only about being seen. It’s a multi-faceted strategy involving municipalities, metropole police, public safety departments, and even private sector players such as Coca-Cola and Diageo, which have partnered with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) to tackle road safety dangers head-on.

“Easter is a time when families travel together, and we must ensure that they all arrive safe,” JMPD spokesman Xolani Fihla said. He agreed that over 112 motorists were already arrested this month on charges of drunk driving – a figure which he characterised as “alarming, but unfortunately not unexpected”.

To tackle this, the police have boosted patrols at hotspots like the Grasmere Toll Plaza, a gateway for thousands of visitors heading south from Johannesburg. There, the police are conducting stringent roadworthiness checks, monitoring speeding, and employing breathalysers to test for drunk drivers. Public transport vehicles are being closely watched in particular.

Education meets enforcement

But the campaign is not just about policing up. It’s also about building a safety-first culture through raising awareness in the public. At roadblocks, officers distribute booklets with essential Easter safety tips: plan ahead, avoid distractions, wear your seatbelt, and most importantly – do not drink and drive.

Lelethu Ndyamboti, the spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg’s Public Safety Department, believes the strategy is already yielding dividends.

“People must understand that safety is not just the responsibility of the government – it’s all of us,” Ndyamboti said.

“As a driver or as a pedestrian, your behavior can save lives or put them at risk.”

From Slovo Park to Grasmere: Crime has no holiday

In Slovo Park, where hijackings have been common and crime is rampant, people have welcomed the increased police presence. The area has been notorious for spiking cars – a criminal activity of placing sharp objects on the road in a bid to cause cars to stop, then leading to hijacking or robbery.

Speaking to media recently after the launch of the Easter safety initiative, a 43-year-old local resident Phumzile Khumalo said: “This campaign is a light in the darkness for communities like ours. We’ve been living in fear, especially during holidays. It feels like someone is finally listening.”

Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku, MMC for Public Safety in Johannesburg, echoed those sentiments.

“Safety doesn’t begin at the city gates – it starts in communities. That’s why we’re also urging citizens to make sure their vehicle documents are up to date and to stay vigilant, especially on highways and in rural stretches.”

Looking ahead: A safer Gauteng for all

As the official City of Johannesburg Easter safety campaign launches this Thursday, officials are preparing for a weekend of major traffic – and major danger. The buildup before the campaign is an indication of a province not soon to see Easter celebrations ruined by crime or tragedy.

“South Africans must be able to travel peacefully during this period,” said Diale-Tlabela.

“This campaign is not only for this Easter. It’s about building a culture of accountability, safety, and care on our roads and in our communities.”

As tourists pack their vehicles and head out to visit family and friends, one thing is certain: this Easter, Gauteng’s road keepers are on alert, working, and ready.

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The circumstances surrounding the escape have raised questions about the influence of criminal syndicates in South Africa. Allegations suggest that corruption and compromised officials may have played a role in facilitating Tshoaledi’s departure. This incident reflects broader concerns about the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with well-organised criminal networks.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has responded to the incident by calling for a Commission of Inquiry into the events at Buffelsfontein mine, where illegal mining activities have been prevalent. According to the DA, the links between illegal mining, extortion, and organised crime are evident and require urgent attention.

Communities in areas such as Stilfontein have reportedly been severely affected by the activities of these syndicates. Residents and local businesses are often forced to pay protection fees under threat of violence, creating a parallel economy driven by fear. This extortion impacts not only those directly involved in mining but also surrounding communities, crippling livelihoods and perpetuating a cycle of poverty and insecurity.

In 2024, the DA introduced its Anti-Extortion Plan, which aims to address the root causes of extortion and dismantle the criminal networks behind it. The plan prioritises intelligence-driven interventions and outlines several key measures:

1. Centralised Intelligence Hub: The DA proposes the creation of a unified intelligence gathering and analysis centre to track extortion networks effectively. Such a hub would enable law enforcement to dismantle operations by targeting syndicates’ leadership structures.
2. Enhanced Community Reporting Mechanisms: Recognising the fear of retaliation in communities affected by extortion, the plan advocates for stronger anonymous reporting channels and whistle-blower protections. These measures aim to empower residents to report criminal activities without fear of reprisal.
3. Targeting Organisers Over Foot Soldiers: A recurring criticism of SAPS operations is the focus on low-level ‘zama-zamas’ (illegal miners), while the masterminds remain untouched. The Anti-Extortion Plan emphasises the need to expose and prosecute the financiers and organisers of these syndicates.
4. Strengthening the Criminal Justice System: Effective collaboration between SAPS, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and other relevant bodies is deemed essential. The plan highlights the importance of rooting out corruption within these institutions and ensuring the decisive prosecution of cases to restore public confidence.

Illegal mining and extortion are part of a larger pattern of organised crime that poses significant risks to South Africa’s economy and social fabric. Criminal networks have entrenched themselves in various sectors, undermining governance and exploiting systemic weaknesses.

The escape of James Neo Tshoaledi has underscored the urgent need for a coordinated, intelligence-led approach to addressing these challenges. While the DA’s Anti-Extortion Plan provides a framework for tackling the issue, its implementation requires political will and institutional reform. Communities like Stilfontein cannot continue to bear the brunt of inaction, and a decisive response is critical to breaking the grip of extortion on vulnerable areas.

South Africa’s ability to address these challenges effectively will depend on the government’s commitment to strengthening law enforcement, combating corruption, and restoring trust in its institutions.

The post Escape of illegal mining kingpin highlights concerns over South Africa’s crime response appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

GSV director Yusuf Saber said the move signifies the company’s commitment to accommodating increased production demands, improving operational efficiency, and better serving its expanding client base with enhanced facilities and resources.

The new property in Germiston spans over 6000m2, providing ample space for GSV to ramp up production and meet the surge in demand.

“GSV can confidently say that the number of vehicles armoured are increasing by the day. GSV has seen a significant increase of about 75% since last year,” said Saber.

He said the demand for discreet armoured vehicles was a result of increased security threats and crime in SA.

“With the rising kidnappings of prominent businessmen, and high-profile individuals, armoured vehicles have gained popularity and play an important role to enhance personal security, and protect against these threats, keeping individuals safe and protected at all times,” said Saber.

GSV transforms ordinary vehicles into a discreet luxury armoured vehicles protecting occupants against the most severe threats and ultimately saving lives. Modern technology and engineering make it possible for civilians to feel safe and are protected in their own luxury vehicles. GSV’s advanced production capabilities, rapid vehicle delivery, and an extensive range of vehicle solutions make the company the perfect partner for any automotive security need.

GSV CEO Ettiene De Klerk said the latest advancements in armoured vehicle technology include lightweight ballistic materials, advanced composite armour, enhanced blast protection, integrated surveillance and countermeasure systems, and smart vehicle technologies.

GSV is integrating these innovations by:

• Lightweight Materials: Utilising advanced composite materials to reduce the overall weight of the vehicles while maintaining high levels of protection.
• Enhanced Blast Protection: Implementing cutting-edge designs and materials that offer superior protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and landmines.
• Integrated Surveillance Systems: Equipping vehicles with advanced cameras, sensors, and radar systems to provide 360-degree situational awareness and early threat detection.
• Smart Vehicle Technologies: Incorporating features like automated emergency response systems, GPS tracking, and real-time communication networks for improved coordination and safety.
• Advanced Countermeasure Systems: Installing active defence mechanisms such as electronic jammers and smoke screens to neutralise threats.

“By incorporating these technologies, GSV ensures our armoured vehicles remain at the forefront of security and protection, meeting the evolving needs of our clients,” said De Klerk.

GSV’s reputation as a leading armour manufacturing company in South Africa is built on its advanced engineering, high-quality craftsmanship, custom solutions tailored to individual needs, and a strong track record of reliability and customer satisfaction.

“As we look to the future, GSV plans include expanding our product range with innovative security technologies, entering new international markets, and constantly and consistently enhancing our manufacturing capabilities to meet growing demand for armoured vehicles,” added Saber.

The post GSV Expands Operations to Meet Growing Demand for Armoured Vehicles appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

Armormax, one of the country’s top-rated armouring companies approved as OEM partners to leading car brands, said there are “most definitely” more armoured cars on South African roads than a year ago.

Armormax sales and marketing manager, Michael Broom said the number has exponentially increased over the last few years.

“The obvious contributing factor is that our roads remain some of the most dangerous in the world in terms of violent crime. Historically, high-profile attacks have always been committed in the form of vehicular assaults simply because while driving we are constantly moving between transitory spaces.”

“In terms of protection and security, these situations are difficult to manage with regular security protocols whereas an armoured vehicle puts an impenetrable barrier between occupants and assailants. The massive increase in kidnapping has also contributed to this for much the same reason- this is when we are most at risk while moving between destinations and areas that are easier to secure against threats.

“The reason we are experiencing the growth that we have is because the awareness of civilian armoured vehicles is far more widespread than it was previously. The myth that these vehicles are only for politicians and gangsters has long been debunked. South Africans that have the means have realised that we are all at risk of the threat of hijacking, smash and grabs, kidnappings and in extreme cases, assassinations,” he explained.

“The rise in kidnapping cases is alarming and causing businesses and communities to sit up and take notice. This has become one of the leading sources of enquiries and purchases in recent years.”

Michael Broom

At any one time, Armormax builds around 25 vehicles.

“We can build more than this but we have found this to be the happy medium to keep our quality standard over a realistic production time frame. Our waiting period for a production date is on average three to four months,” said Broom.

Often, a client approaches Armormax for protection following a traumatic incident such as a hijacking or kidnapping.

“So often we all think ‘it will never happen to me, I am not a target’ but when something does happen, we quickly realise that the threat is not about targeting but most often about opportunism. Criminals do not discriminate on who their victims are, neither do they care for your life as is evident in our crime stats.” 

“We also do have many clients where their risk profile requires an armoured vehicle as part of a larger security protocol, or they are already highly safety conscious in all areas of their lives and are mitigating every risk they can. These most often are entrepreneurs, expats on a working contract in South Africa or those in an industry that carries a high level of threat such as precious metals, moving of valuable assets and so forth,” said Broom.

“In a nutshell, our clients are private citizens, male and female, who want protection on our roads.”

Michael Broom

As the armoured vehicle industry is growing, so are technological advances.

“The technology has always been available globally and the advances in lightweight armouring technology have been the greatest area of focus for the last two decades. While manufacturers’ vehicles are seemingly becoming heavier and heavier, the need to drive down the weight of our solution is a critical issue for us, while most importantly, ensuring that ballistic integrity and protection are the best available,” said Broom. 

However, as in any segment experiencing growth new market entrants are bound to appear looking to take advantage of the opportunities, he added.

“Often the drive for these entrants is to do it cheaper and faster, hoping to get an edge on the market, but in reality if you are doing it properly the words cheaper and faster should not be in the vocabulary. We are dealing with the subject of saving lives and in our world, there is no space for corner-cutting or compromise. To give an analogy, if you needed a triple bypass operation you would go to the best cardiac surgeon you can find, and not your vet. In theory, both of them are able to do the procedure but which would you prefer?”  

Armormax’s attitude sets it apart from others in the industry.

“Yes, we have been around substantially longer than most but if we had the wrong attitude, our business would not have already been thriving before the massive segment growth. The attitude simply put is we do it the best or we don’t do it. That attitude applies to the components and materials we use- we use only the best of what is available globally which does come at a price.”

“The attitude also applies to our standard of armouring. In all cases, we over-spec our armour to protect our clients against real-world threats, not just the bare minimum standard of the testing lab or ballistic grade guidelines. We are actively invested in ballistics and keep our finger on the pulse of how attacks are carried out in relation to weapons, ammunition, modus operandi and results.”

“We often say we don’t have customers, we just have a really big family!  The fact that more than 70% of the work we do every year is for existing customers or referred customers is a testament to this.”

Michael Broom

“What we learn here is applied to our armouring to combat an ever-evolving threat.  This attitude most importantly applies to how we treat our clients, particularly after the vehicle has been armoured. Most of our time and effort spent with clients is ‘after the sale’ where we are available to them 24/7 for repairs, maintenance and advice on their general safety.” 

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“As the NATJOINTS, we are confident that the measures that have been put in place are sufficient to ensure that the country’s upcoming general elections proceed without any incidents of crime and disruptions,” Deputy National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said on Sunday in Pretoria during a media briefing.

Led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the State Security Agency (SSA), the NATJOINTS has conducted a national security assessment with key role players in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster.

On 29 May 2024, South Africans will once again get an opportunity to exercise their right to vote in the 2024 National and Provincial elections, which marks the country’s seventh democratic elections.

“The planning for the safety and security of the 2024 General Elections has been finalised. The operational phase will commence from Wednesday, 22 May 2024 with the activation of the NATJOINTS Coordination Centre, until 09 June 2024

“This NATJOINTS Coordination Centre (NCC) is operating around the clock, closely monitoring the situation in the country through proactive identification of threats and vulnerabilities. The centre serves as a central point of contact for coordination of information and the reporting of incidents to ensure a swift, prompt and coordinated response,” Mosikili said.

This is where all operations in relation to major events in the country including the National and Provincial General Elections will be coordinated.

The NCC structure is mirrored at provincial level through the Provincial Joint Operation and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS), which is activated through the provincial joint operation centres.

The NATJOINTS and PROVJOINTS five-pillar approach is being implemented to ensure that all areas of concern are covered through:

• Intelligence gathering, analysis and co-ordination;
• Proactive approach, which includes high visibility to police, prevent and respond to any crime eventuality;
• Combat approach through law enforcement in response to any violation of the law through deployment of specialized units, supported by the SANDF should the need arise for the SANDF to exercise their secondary role of supporting the SAPS;
• Reactive approach through detection and case management; and the fifth approach; and
• Awareness and information sharing led by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Electoral Commission (IEC), the NATJOINTS and other government departments in keeping interest parties and communities at home and abroad updated through messaging that will enhance the safety and security of everyone in the country. The media will continuously be updated on a daily basis during the election period by the NATJOINTS.

“While measures have been put in place, the ultimate responsibility of a safe and secure election lies with each one of us. It is a partnership that is required to create harmony, respect for self and others even as we make our way to the polls and back home,” she said.

Risk assessment

Working through the Operational Intelligence Co-ordination Committee (OICC), the NATJOINTS have identified a number of high-risk voting stations and potentially volatile areas, which are being monitored on an on-going basis.

“Deployments are subsequently proportional to the level of risk identified through intensified operations, informed by thorough analysis and intelligence-based reports.

“Threats identified such as community protests are already being attended to and those that are found to be in contravention of the law are being dealt with. Our Public Order Policing Units are on the ground and are ready to prevent and combat any such incidents,” Mosikili said.

The NATJOINTS is aware of social media posts calling for a shutdown by a group of truck drivers.

“As previously communicated, there will be zero tolerance towards threats, intimidation and closure of our roads. Law enforcement agencies are on high alert to ensure there are no criminal activities and that law abiding citizens are not inconvenienced. We call on the Road Freight Industry workers to communicate their grievances within the confines of the law. We reiterate our stance, that no lawlessness and any form of criminality will be tolerated,” she said.

The NATJOINTS is in the first phase of the elections.

“To this end, the NATJOINTS is satisfied that from a security point of view, the securing of voter registrations, policing of gatherings, celebrations and demonstrations, intensifying stabilization at hotspot areas across the country, enhancing visibility and ensuring crime prevention around election related matters, has been executed with precision.

 “The second phase of the election, which is the period from the 27th [of May 2024] up until the announcement of the results, will see static deployments at voting stations, escorting of voter material and IEC staff, securing of election warehouses, transportation of voting material and the enforcement of the Electoral Act,” Mosikili explained.

During the third phase, which is the period after the election results have been officially announced, plans are already in place for police to monitor celebrations and gatherings.

The post Watch | Natjoints on the security readiness for the 2024 elections appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

Police spokesman Colonel Robert Netshiunda said an inquest docket had been opened.

“The police search and rescue team working with other private entities managed to rescue all five victims, however four of them were certified dead at the scene. One worker was found alive, approximately six hours after the collapse,” he said.

IPSS Search and Rescue’s Samantha Meyrick, who was at the scene on Zen Drive on Saturday, said multiple agencies worked together to locate the missing construction workers.

At one stage, the search had to be called off due to further collapses of the sandbank.

A TLB was brought to scene to excavate the site.

Meyrick said the only survivor was severely entrapped and alternative options had to be considered to get him out alive. The Air Mercy helicopter was on standby to transport him to hospital.

She said the man was successfully freed after several hours.

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Read more here.

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