VIDEO: Helicopter deployed to boost crime fighting in Table Mountain National Park
The chopper is from the Kruger National Park, where it formed part of the SANParks fleet.
SANParks deploys helicopter to strengthen security in Table Mountain National Park - Screengrab from SANParks/TMNP Facebook video
CapeTalk's Sara-Jayne Makwala King is joined by Jeff Ayliffe for The Outdoor Report.
Safety and security in the Table Mountain National Park has been strengthened with the deployment of a helicopter.
The chopper is part of South African National Parks' (SANParks) fleet based in the Kruger National Park.
This is great news in terms of the ongoing battle against crime on the mountain, says outdoor correspondent Jeff Ayliffe.
"SANParks recently deployed a very highly trained SEAM (Sea, Air, Mountain) team and they now also have the use of a helicopter."
Jeff Ayliffe, Outdoor Correspondent
"It's in line with SANParks' safety and security strategy and goes hand in hand with that deployment of the specialised rangers."
Jeff Ayliffe, Outdoor Correspondent
SANParks reports that the helicopter’s first flight recorded success on its day of arrival when a suspicious person carrying a knife was reported and tracked through a coordinated operation of the aerial and ground teams.
The suspect was apprehended by the ground team after a chase, and found to have a lengthy criminal record.
The helicopter serves both as a visible deterrent and ensures a rapid response to any potential threats or incidents, SANParks says.
"The coordination between the aerial team of rangers and ground teams of rangers is key to ensuring that threats to visitor safety as well as of illegal fires spreading can be immediately addressed."
SANParks
The national parks body also reminded visitors to hike only between sunrise and sunset and travel in groups for their own safety, with adequate gear for the terrain and weather conditions.
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to The Outdoor Report (TMNP discussion at 2:22)