Hiking group held at gunpoint

Three unconfirmed male assailants mugged a hiking party of 20 people of their possessions at the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve around 5.40pm on 18 January.

The walk was reportedly an organised and guided tour of the Koppies.

Westdene Community Patrol’s Neilen Nunes said the party was walking inside the reserve, toward the Mark’s Park entrance in groups of two (10 men and 10 woman), when one of the groups was confronted by three men said to be in their 20s.

These assailants were believed to have jumped the fence of the reserve.

Nunes said the men’s group was mugged first at gunpoint.

According to Nunes, the firearms did not look convincing.

“The second group saw what was happening and ran back. The assailants then ran after them. Only one of the fleeing group members was caught, assaulted, and robbed. The robbers then fled the scene and ran toward the Melville Koppies West,” said Nunes.

CSS Tactical Response and the police eventually responded to the scene.

Ward 87 councilor Amanda Forsythe said she was aware of these events and had already made contact with Wendy Carstens… to find out what she thinks needs to be done to secure the area and protect residents and visitors.

“The ward will then call a meeting with the Melville Koppies Association, the Melville Sector Crime Forum, police, JMPD and the City Parks Rangers to ensure better policing and security on the Koppies,” said Forsythe.

Carstens, volunteer and walk organiser at Melville Koppies said, “We’re in full battle mode after the events of yesterday. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

“The CSS tactical response was tremendous. They were very effective once they’ve been alerted. We are going to provide all future walks with armed security escorts. The funding for this will be coming from volunteer donations to the Koppies.”

Nunes said he will be accompanying future walks on Sundays until the Melville Koppies Association makes provision for a security  escort.