Is enough being done to ensure the safety of visitors and locals exploring the area?
This is the question on many people’s lips after yet another robbery in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve in Hermanus.
A Dutch couple were hiking near Kanonkop at about noon on Thursday 10 November when they were reportedly accosted by an unknown man who threatened them with a knife and demanded money.
Captain Fadila September, spokesperson for Hermanus police, reported that a Galaxy cellphone, expensive cameras, telephoto lenses and a woman’s white-gold wedding ring had reportedly been stolen. A case of robbery was opened.
“No arrests have been made,” September said. “The investigation continues.”
A source who asked not to be identified said the couple, who have visited Hermanus fairly regularly over the past 25 years, were traumatised as they had never had such an experience before.
“Members of the Hermanus Botanical Society and Overstrand Municipality’s Environmental Services were there to deal with the matter when the couple returned quite a while later and reported it,” she stated.
The police and Overstrand law enforcement were immediately contacted and a search for the suspect was launched.
“Overstrand Municipality is doing its utmost to prevent these incidents, but we have to keep in mind there are 60 km of paths that need to be patrolled,” said the source.
This follows a similar incident that occurred on 23 September, when two women were robbed of their valuables near the Fernkloof waterfall bridge. Two suspects allegedly threatened the two women with sharp objects and robbed them of jewellery, cellphones and cash.
At the time, Overstrand Executive Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie met with Mayco members and senior staff to discuss the issue of safety in public areas. She confirmed the municipality had increased law enforcement’s presence along Rotary Drive and would do the same in Fernkloof (“Fernkloof is dangerous”, Hermanus Times, 5 October 2022). Rotary Way is also a hot spot for criminal activities.
The Overstrand Municipality (OM) referred the Hermanus Times’ enquiry regarding last week’s incident to the police. The municipality later released a media statement reporting 18 tourism safety monitors had been appointed to patrol the Fernkloof Nature Reserve.
These monitors will work in shifts, seven days a week between 07:00 and 19:00. The municipality stated a minimum of eight monitors would be on duty at any given time to patrol various “hot-spot” areas at Fernkloof.
“Safety within the Fernkloof Nature Reserve has become a concern, following recent incidents,” said OM Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill in the statement. “The municipality has already increased its law enforcement presence at Rotary Drive and Three Dams with mobile safety kiosks.
“In addition to patrols, the tourism safety monitors will also provide general information and will be able to accompany hikers in the nature reserve on a complimentary basis during weekdays and weekends if requested.”
Hikers can report to the visitor centre at Fernkloof, where the guides are based. Alternatively, send an email to tourism@overstrand.gov.za to book a guide. Fernkloof is open from 06:00 to 19:00 during the summer.
Overstrand Executive Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie reiterated the importance of knowing one’s surroundings and sticking to safer areas when hiking alone or in small groups.
“Fernkloof Reserve stretches over 1 800 ha and is not enclosed,” she said. “There are ± 20 access points, which make entry easy, but difficult to control with 60 km of interlinked trails. Please always remember that hiking should be approached with caution, respect and common sense.”
The safety monitors can be identified by their yellow bibs, an identification card and a blue cap with the municipal logo on.
Safety tips: Programme emergency numbers into your cellphone before your hike – 028 312 2400 in case of a fire, flood or medical emergency, 028 313 8980 for security and safety and disaster management issues and 028 313 8996 for day to day law enforcement complaints;. Don’t hike alone;. Inform someone of your route and what time you’re expected back;. Wear a hat or cap and sun block in summer and take something warm. Weather changes rapidly and unexpectedly;. Stick to well-used contour paths;. Always take enough water, especially in summer, and food in case of a delay;. Take a fully-charged cellphone;. A walking stick makes for an easier hike. These are available at the visitor centre on loan.
