KEY POINTS
- The body of a 53-year-old Belgian national was found on Signal Hill, with police conducting a post-mortem to determine the cause of death.
- The incident follows recent attacks on Signal Hill, including a stabbing and a mugging, raising alarms about safety in the area.
- Despite a 40% decrease in robberies, authorities and safety advocates urge hikers to avoid isolated areas and remain alert in crime hotspots.
Cape Town central police have launched an investigation after the body of a 53-year-old Belgian national was discovered on Signal Hill on Sunday morning, February 2.
According to police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg, the cause of death has yet to be determined. “The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death,” said Twigg. He added that the identity of the deceased will be released once his family has been notified.
A Troubling Pattern of Crime on Signal Hill
This incident comes just over two weeks after a couple was attacked by two knife-wielding assailants on the Signal Hill Jeep Track on January 21, 2025. The husband was stabbed in the shoulder, and the wife was pushed to the ground as one of the attackers attempted to steal her silver choker. The couple was rushed to the nearest emergency room for treatment. Earlier in January, a 50-year-old woman walking alone on the Lion’s Head/Signal Hill foothills was mugged by a lone knife-wielding man, who stole her wedding ring, four other rings, and her phone.
These incidents have raised concerns about safety in the area, despite Table Mountain National Park’s (TMNP) latest report indicating a 40% decrease in robberies compared to the previous season. However, the report also noted seven more attempted robberies during the same period, highlighting ongoing risks for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
