Group mountain stabbing suspects identikit released

Identikits of two men suspected of being involved in the brutal attack on a group of nine hikers three weeks ago. Left: Suspect number one is described as being of average height and slender build with dreadlocks of medium length and about 25-years. Right: Suspect number two is described as about 20 years of age, average height and well built.

Police have released the identikits of two men suspected of being involved in the brutal attack on a group of nine hikers in which five sustained serious stab wounds on Saturday January 13 while hiking on St James Peak near the amphitheatre.

Suspect number one is described as being of average height and slender build with dreadlocks of medium length and about 25-years of age while suspect number two is described as about 20 years of age, average height and well built and according to provincial police spokesman, Captain FC Van Wyk, the suspects have not been arrested as had been indicated on various social media platforms on Monday February 5.

The hikers were attacked without warning by two knife-wielding men who demanded their bags and phones.

A case of robbery with a weapon other than a firearm has been opened (“Call for hiker safety,” Echo, January 18).

The attack followed a spate of violent attacks in the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) and on beaches (“Beach crime wave,” Echo, January 11), and reached boiling point on Sunday January 28 when Doug Notten, a St James resident, was stabbed to death on the Echo Valley trail above Boyes Drive while hiking with his wife, (“Murder on mountain,” Echo, February 1).

While SANParks are ultimately responsible for safety within TMNP, it has remained mum about the attacks and not responded to enquiries by the Echo.

On Friday February 2 another incident took place near the Kakapo shipwreck on Noordhoek beach. This time a Dutch couple were threatened by a man with a screwdriver who took their belongings.

TableMountain Watch’sAndrevan Schalkwyk and spokesman for the newly formed crime-fighting body, Table Mountain Security Action Group confirmed the robbery.

He said the group, consisting of about 40 organisations including neighbourhood watches, hiking groups and various civilian groups has been formed to increase security on TMNP and curb attacks on hikers.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects, can contact investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Leonard Mngambi, on 082 522 1794 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.