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[HiltonP]

In June three visitors to the Silvermine Nature Reserve in the Table Mountain National Park of SOUTH AFRICA were attacked by men armed with knives, which resulted in one visitor being stabbed. The attack took place during daylight hours, on the accessable boardwalk trail circum-navigating the reserve's dam. One of the group of visitors was confined to a wheelchair. The Silvermine Nature Reserve is one of the few nature areas in the Cape Peninsula which offers a wheelchair accessable trail, a gravel and boardwalk combination.

The police were called, and arrests made, but it is disturbing to note that the security guard posted at the dam fled the scene, and was also subsequently arrested and questioned in connection with the attack. That this security guard might well have watched this group exit their vehicle, and load the wheelchair, knowing they faced attack is frightening. It has subsequently come to light that there have been numerous attacks, and narrow escapes, on visitors to Silvermine.

That the criminal element now sees fit to attack disabled people is a sign we, as a nation, have truly hit rock bottom. A browse through the South African National Parks website Discussion Forums reveals that other reserves are experiencing increased crime levels as well. South African lovers of nature and the outdoors are seeing their parks becoming increasingly dangerous and risky. Little is being done to solve the problem.

A “walk” on the mountain is now less about relaxation and fresh air, and more about caution and alertness. Sad times.

Edited by HiltonP, 26 June 2008 - 04:12 PM.