CT authorites urged to urgently prioritise safety on Table Mountain ahead of tourist season

CAPE TOWN - Crime on Table Mountain is again under the spotlight ahead of the annual RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town (UTCT) event in November. 

Three international athletes were robbed at gunpoint during last year's event. 

Race director, Stuart McConnachie, said that the race injects millions into the economy, with over 2,800 runners and their companions in the city from the 22nd to the 24th of November. 

He's urging authorities to urgently prioritise and increase safety and security ahead of the summer tourist season. 

"It is a concern and what we don't want to see is the same scenario that we saw last year because if we do, then it's a case of we pack up because it just shows that it wasn't just something that happened, there's a constant thing here that going on and nobody seems to be doing anything about it."

However, McConnachie said that last year's attacks had not deterred athletes.

"Overall, the event this year we've had more than ever, the elite and international runners are looking to come to Cape Town but there is a natural concern to what are we doing, what is happening with the trails, are they safe, so we just want to try an get ahead of it and make sure that those questions are answered with a firm response."

There've been increased patrols and security cameras installed on the mountain, but he added there's still a pressing need for more to be done. 

"I think we need to see visible and sustained efforts, we're looking to see action and a plan from the authorities, I guess, to help us plan for future initiatives and to reassure the public and our visitors."