Berg Alert 2016

I am very sorry to hear this news and do hope that the three of you recover fast.
It's interesting that the attack happened so far from the amphitheatre. I would guess that this was a deliberate decision because the remoteness buys time for the attackers. Also I would expect these guys to repeat their tactics. In the passed attacks in a particular area went on for a few years. As long as these bad apples are around, they will try it on.

There's no way I would sleep in a tent in this broad region. The tactics are geared to tents.

Finally, as those involved have already noted, only chance meant that this attack was not murder. An incredibly similar incident near Ntonjelane pass about 30 years ago did end in death.

@tiska; what happened in the event near Ntonjelane Pass?

Two hikers were heading south from Amphitheatre to Cathedral Peak. Overnight at Ntonjelane pass head they had rocks thrown at their tent and were attacked when they exited the tent. One hiker died of head injuries. The other walked barefoot, alone, injured and without much needed glasses to Amphitheatre.
The attackers were caught and one or more received the death penalty which dates the event. The attack obviously could not be connected with this one under discussion. But the tactics were identical.

The thing about tents is that you are, in effect, visible to your attackers but they are not visible to you. When attacked in a tent, your next move, to exit the tent, is 100% predictable.
Attacks seem rare to non existent in caves because that predictability does not exist.

That is shocking... we were planning on hiking in that area this weekend but are thinking of changing plans and going south instead.

@ tiska: you have nailed it, yes the element of surprise is what wins any warfare and sleeping in a cave will be the safest. You are open on only one side with a rock face behind you and you can immediately see your attackers and do what is necessary

Terrible news , I hope all involved recover

My friend, Brendon Ferrar and I were in this area Wednesday 20th April 2016 . I had a day run from Sentinel Car Park and then down Rockeries while Brendon carried on and completed the DGT in a very respectable 92 hours ( approx Brendon needs to confirm exact time )

We didn't have any incidents on day 1 but Brendon did tell me that he was hassled a few times after day 1. He is a man few words but I will try some more info

Myself and three ladies (one my ten year old daughter) started at the chain ladders on 22 April and slept that night in the valley of the tributary of the Kubebdu leading up to Icidi pass (where the tributary curves to the South). On the 23rd we slept 300m from Mbundini pass. To say we're shocked to hear about the incident is an understatement (we only walked out yesterday). It seems that we camped very close to where the attack occurred, does anyone know exactly how close?

@Ranger

Hi Stephen, my digital VHF radio (Icom) has a frequency range of 136-174 Hz, I used it for when I still did paragliding, and I can listen in to what Cape Town Port Control is doing . So I was thinking if you would be so kind as to give me a frequency I could use for an emergency, that would be great. The range is good, typically 20 to 30km so it should (hopefully) work. It would make the world of difference to us and also potentially aid in apprehending the suspects. Just a thought. Thanks, Adrian