A runner was reportedly stabbed near the Deadman’s Tree area of Table Mountain on Wednesday morning, raising fresh concern about safety on one of Cape Town’s most popular outdoor routes.
The incident has drawn renewed calls from mountain safety groups for more visible patrols, better surveillance, and greater caution among runners, hikers and cyclists using Table Mountain National Park.
Runner Attacked Near Tafelberg Road
A Table Mountain runner was stabbed in the Deadman’s Tree area, close to Tafelberg Road, between 7:15am and 7:30am on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, according to Cape Town Etc. The publication reported that three male suspects were involved in the attack.
The victim’s identity, condition and the exact circumstances of the stabbing were not confirmed in the available reports. No arrests were reported at the time of publication.
The reported attack comes as runners, hikers and cyclists continue to raise concerns about personal safety on Table Mountain routes. Deadman’s Tree and Tafelberg Road sit near routes often used by outdoor groups, especially in the early morning.
Take Back Our Mountains said visitors had increasingly raised fears about crime on Table Mountain. The group called for CCTV cameras monitored around the clock and stronger ranger visibility at busy trailheads.
Safety Debate Continues On Table Mountain
The Table Mountain runner stabbed report adds to a wider debate over safety in Table Mountain National Park. Volunteer groups have warned about violent crime, while SANParks has previously said crime figures had stabilised after earlier spikes.
In September 2024, SANParks said safety work in the park relied on cooperation between SANParks, SAPS and the City of Cape Town. It also said the park had increased “boots on the ground” through ranger recruitment, the Sea, Air and Mountain team, aerial resources and K9 support.
However, SANParks has also noted that Table Mountain is an open-access park with many entry points, which makes enforcement difficult. GroundUp reported in 2025 that SANParks linked the challenge to urban crime spillover and said joint patrols and information-sharing remained important.
Safety Groups Urge Caution
Take Back Our Mountains urged people using the mountain to avoid going alone and, where possible, move in larger groups. Cape Town Etc also reported that Table Mountain Watch called for renewed awareness among national park users as the city moves toward spring and summer.
In a separate January 2026 safety discussion after an attack on Lion’s Head, City safety mayoral committee member JP Smith said the mountain’s size and lack of access control made it difficult to secure fully. He urged the public to share information through the City’s emergency line or tip-off line.
For now, the Table Mountain runner stabbed incident has again placed pressure on authorities and safety partners to reassure residents and tourists who use Cape Town’s mountain trails.