Magaliesberg security update

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:

Please take note that there was an attack at Grootkloof on the patroller (Magaliesberg section member) for this weekend and his two friends. He was stabbed in the arm and their possessions taken by three rather aggressive men armed with knives and pepper spray. Three of Johburg section members who had left their rucksacks at the bottom of their climb, were also robbed of their possessions by the same three men on Saturday. They saw the robbers from the climb. The police was called and responded. The Hotel was also notified. It may be best to avoid Grootkloof for the present -or do not go in small groups and be extremely careful.
The two committees will be having a meeting shortly to address this distressing situation.

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.

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...