[imagesource: Bronson Harrington/Flickr]

On Monday, parts of Table Mountain National Park were opened to the public, as the country dropped to alert level 3.

On the same day, the body of a man, believed to be around 60 years of age, was found near Nursery Ravine, which is one of the trails that lead to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on the mountain’s eastern slopes.

The body was discovered at around 4:30PM, with Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) called soon afterwards.

According to TimesLIVE, WSAR spokesperson Johan Marais said once it was established that the person was dead, the extraction process began:

Due to the position and fading light, arrangements were made for an extraction by helicopter early on Tuesday.

He said a temporary landing zone was opened in Newlands forest and the body was eventually hoisted out and flown to the state pathology services staff who were waiting at the Newlands forest station.

“The body is now in the care of the police who have taken over the investigation,” he added. “We mourn the death of a person on the first day of the opening of the mountain in terms of the pandemic regulations.”

Marais also pleaded with the public to ensure that they do not walk or hike alone, although safe physical distancing protocols must still be adhered to.

If you are planning a hike in and around Table Mountain National Park, remember that the following areas remain closed:

• Boulders Beach
• Upper Tokai
• Silvermine (gates one and two)
• Cape Point

With exercise hours stretching from 6AM to 6PM, no overnight hikes are allowed.

Sadly, it should also be mentioned that as people return to the hiking trails, so too will the crooks, which is another reason to ensure that you do not hike alone.

[source:timeslive]