Cops rule out foul play in hiker’s death

MATTHEW HIRSCH

Police say they don’t suspect there foul play is to blame in the death of a climber found dead near Camps Bay.

The incident that happened near the Kasteelpoort hiking trail in January.

Lieutenant Colonel Andrè Traut said while the death of the hiker was still being investigated they had ruled out foul play. The hiker was in his 50s.

Police had initially been uncertain as to whether the incident had been an accident or a crime (“Mystery around mountain death,” Atlantic Sun, February 11).

The Western Cape Department of Health’s Robert Daniels said the results of the autopsy would remain private.

Responding to a question about the barbed wire on the route, SANParks spokeswoman Merle Collins said: “Barbed wire is commonly used to stop users from creating shortcuts. Shortcuts creates erosion and lead to instability of the mountain slope.”

SANParks, meanwhile has encouraged mountain users to:

* Stay on demarcated paths.

* Wear the correct hiking gear and shoes.

* Not carry valuables such as cash, cameras or iPods.

* Cycle, hike or run during daylight hours only.

* Not hike alone.

* Keep an eye on the weather and other mountain conditions.

* Inform at least one other person not hiking with you of your destination and estimated arrival time.

If you find yourself in trouble or need assitance, call the Table Mountain National Park emergency at 0861 106 417.