Cape Town – The South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that it will be working with volunteers to keep mountain and hiking trails safe this festive season.
But, the authority said it was too early to comment on whether these volunteers were part of private security companies who were utilising drones to keep trails and sites free from crime.
This week, a private security company, which works in the greater Atlantic Seaboard, confirmed it was using drones on the slopes of Signal Hill and Lion's Head to keep their clients safe and under surveillance.
The company did not want to be named as it was not licensed or authorised to have drones on the mountain, but did so to keep its clients safe as robberies and attacks on the slopes have increased in the past year.
Weekend Argus asked the company to comment on its plans and reasoning behind its stance, but it opted to remain silent.
Since September last year, more than 20 attacks and robberies were reported in the Table Mountain National Park region.
In July this year, two suspects who were detained, are believed to be behind a syndicate involved in the robbery of two mountain cyclists.
Another case that made headlines was that of missing German tourist, Nick Frischke.
Ishaam Fischer, Melvin Geunantin, Vanroy Petersen and Carlo Geunantin have been charged with housebreaking, firearm and ammunition-related charges and charges under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act over allegedly robbing Frischke on a hiking trail along Hangberg in February last year. The case is expected to return to court in November.
Babalwa Dlangamandla, from SANParks, said Table Mountain National Park authorities were in the process of finalising the festive season safety plan and said it was too early to comment on private security companies making use of drones along trails.
“The park is in the process of appointing more rangers, including the special operation rangers known as the Sea, Air and Mountain (SEAM) team.
“We are conducting operations with law enforcement authorities, Table Mountain Safety Forum, led by SAPS, collaboration with volunteers. An announcement will be made soon.”
JP Smith, mayoral committee member for safety and security, said he
could also not comment and referred the Weekend Argus to the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).
Smith said, however, that the City was prepared and were themselves making use of drones and other forms of artificial intelligence to keep the mountain trails and beaches safe.
“Cape Town will have its festive season readiness plan and deployment in place to keep tourists safe on the mountain, beach and on the road.
“Technology including drones, the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) plane CCTV, dashcams and our body cams will be utilised to ensure visitor and residents can enjoy their holiday period safely,” he said
“The ISR has been used to assist in numerous traffic, crime-prevention and emergency operations across the metropole since deployment and will be used during the festive season for crime prevention, emergencies and other operations where it would be beneficial.”
Anwaaz Bent, a former member of Wilderness Search and Rescue and president of the Hikers Network, said that he did not agree with the use of drones on trails as they also posed a risk for those in the air.
“We are not happy with any illegal activities on the mountain, using drones on the mountain for customers.
“We need our peace and tranquillity. They can find other means, such as having more patrols.
“It is also a safety risk for those in the air. If it is on private property, they can do so,” he said.
The South African Civil Aviation Regulations (CARS), specifically Part 101, stipulates the regulation of drone operation for private, commercial, or corporate purposes. It is mandatory that all drone operations, including those done by security companies, adhere to the regulations. This involves obtaining the required approvals and ensuring that operations prioritise safety and minimize public risk.