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Pity that so much has to be said about security, but these updates should be widely circulated, since hikers, climbers and campers in the Magaliesberg area are currently subject to several muggings and robberies. The situation is sad an unacceptable. Please be alert and take precautions.

1. Mountain Sanctuary Park continues to be plagued by robberies. About 2 weeks ago one of the chalets was broken into and some of the occupants belongings were stolen. Several tents were also raided.
No trouble has been reported for a while at the pools where Lower Tonquani opens up, but I would still advise against hanging around there.

2. Grootkloof (at Sparkking Waters) has seen a fresh spate of trouble. In July some gear stashed at the campsite was stolen, in spite of care being taken to hide it. This last weekend saw two muggings by a group of 3 men. This update from the MCSA Joburg Section updates:

More details can also be read on this thread on ClimbZA. Apparently the local community policing forum are onto the matter too.

Personally I would avoid Grootkloof (as these are not the first problems to occur there), as well as the neighbouring Kranskloof area until some progress is made in stopping this trend. Unless you go in a really big group.

While I'm at it, a few months back my wife and I were climbing at the prominent red cliffs overlooking Helen Joseph Road in Rustenburg. Two guys, armed with a knife, a hammer and a stick tried to mug us. Thank God we managed to escape! Do not go to this lookout - it is a very dangerous place (not the first incident)!

The times are calling for caution when out in the Magaliesberg. Go in as big a group as possible, and carry sticks, pepper spray etc.

Ja this sucks big time - we've cancelled our plans for a midnight mission down Grootkloof this week because of it

So its seems the situation at Mountain Sanctuary is still a problem. I was robbed there last year February whilst walking by the Big Pools. 3 guys, armed with a panga, .38 special, and a large spike attached to a knuckle duster got away with jewelery, camera's and our ego's.

I'm quite sure these guys operate in the area often - they knew exactly what they were after and it was a planned attack as far as I can see. Youngsters, reeked of booze and pot. Not afraid to use their weapons either - the one with the gun actually pulled the trigger against my fathers head - thanks goodness it wasn't loaded.

Take care all....

Thanks for sharing that BugzBunni, and welcome to the forum. Thankfully you guys were not hurt physically. Still, the shock and anger you deal with afterwards from something like this is horrible. I access Cedeberg and Tonquani frequently from MSP and I ask the people in the office every time for updates. Nothing has happened at those pools this year, but I still would advise against hanging around there. I only pass through there on my way somewhere.

Yes I agree, those people probably do operate in the area. A few months back they broke into the office at MSP - the burglar bars that were cut have not been repaired, the hole is still there when you walk in at the door.

I wish we could do something more about the problem...