SANParks urges public to report base jumping on Table Mountain

SANParks urged the public on Monday to report any base jumping incidents after a man plummeted to his death while doing the activity on Table Mountain.

The base jumper fell to his death in Platteklip Gorge in the northern section of Table Mountain National Park on Monday.

Western Cape police were investigating the matter after the man's body was airlifted from the mountain before being transferred into the care of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

South African National Parks (SANParks) said it was saddened by the tragic incident while reiterating that base jumping was an illegal, unregulated activity and was strictly prohibited within Table Mountain National Park.

SANParks spokesperson JP Louw said: “We appeal to all visitors to refrain from undertaking such activities. The park is a protected area in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003) and forms part of a Unesco world heritage site, where activities that pose risks to human life and the environment are not permitted.”

Louw said members of the public should report any base jumping activities directly to SANParks or rangers on duty.