Mountain rescuers were called out to Chapman’s Peak on Sunday to retrieve the body of a 51-year-old man who fell about 20m down a cliff to his death.
The man had been standing at a lookout spot shortly before he fell, according to witness reports.
Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) spokesman David Nel said they had to call on members with a range of skills.
“Various rescue experts from different WSAR member agencies were mobilised and dispatched to the cliff-top scene,” he said in a statement.
Chapman’s Peak Drive is 9km route running between Noordhoek and Hout Bay along the Atlantic Coast and is a popular destination for hikers.
Tony Collins, who has been hiking since the age of 7 and now guides his grandchildren on various trails, warned about the dangers at Chapman’s Peak.
“Hiking is not just about walking up a mountain or walking in nature, you need to know about and be aware of the dangers of the area you are walking in,” he said.
On the day of the accident, Mr Collins and his wife were on a nearby trail when they spotted rescue workers trying to retrieve the body.
On the same day, rescue workers also had to jump to the aid of two hikers who had called for help after one of them experienced cramps on Table Mountain.
“Team members quickly hiked up to their location and once on scene, assessed the patient, before slowly guiding both hikers down the mountain. WSAR members then drove the pair back to their car,” Mr Nel said.
The 51-year-old man has yet to be named by police.
“We would like to thank all members who assisted in the operations and extend our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” Mr Nel said.
Provincial police confirmed that an inquest docket had been opened.
Provincial police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie said that according to preliminary information and witness reports, the man had apparently lost his balance.
“His body was recovered by mountain rescuers and handed to pathology forensic services. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the possible cause of death,” Lieutenant Colonel Pojie said.
