The Tragic Death Of A Belgian Tourist Raises Safety Concerns In Cape Town

• The body of a 53-year-old Belgian national was discovered on Signal Hill in Cape Town on February 2, sparking an investigation.
• Authorities are working to determine the cause of death and notify the man's family, amid growing concerns about safety at popular tourist sites.
• While no evidence of foul play has been confirmed, citizens have taken to social media to voice worries about the safety of solo travelers in the region.

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has spent over a decade covering South Africa's political scene, crime, and social issues with a focus on delivering the truth to readers.

CAPE TOWN – The discovery of a Belgian man’s body on Signal Hill has sent shockwaves through the community and ignited a heated discussion on social media about the safety of tourists at some of South Africa’s most iconic landmarks. The tragedy has left many questioning whether visitors to the country are truly safe when exploring its breathtaking natural beauty.

On the morning of Sunday, February 2, 2025, the body of the 53-year-old Belgian national was found by authorities on Signal Hill, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. As of now, the exact cause of death remains a mystery, and investigators are working tirelessly to uncover the truth.

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Unraveling the Mystery: Police Dive Into the Investigation

Wesley Twigg, the spokesperson for the Western Cape Police, confirmed that an investigation has been launched to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the Belgian man’s death. Speaking to the press, Twigg revealed that a post-mortem examination would be conducted to determine the official cause of death.

“We are treating this case with the utmost seriousness. Our team is currently gathering evidence and interviewing potential witnesses to piece together what happened. The family will be informed as soon as possible, and we urge anyone with information to come forward,” Twigg explained.

Despite initial reports suggesting no signs of foul play, police have not ruled out the possibility of criminal activity. Capt FC van Wyk later echoed Twigg’s statement, confirming that while there were no immediate indications of a crime, the investigation was ongoing. This uncertainty has only heightened the anxiety among locals and tourists alike.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time tourists have faced danger in Cape Town’s stunning yet unpredictable outdoors. Just last year, a mugger met a fatal end after attempting to rob a group of hikers, while another tourist recounted a harrowing experience of being robbed at knifepoint during a hike at Lion's Head on December 27. These incidents paint a troubling picture of the risks associated with exploring the region’s mountains and trails alone.

Voices of Concern: South Africans Speak Out

The tragic incident has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many South Africans expressing their fears and frustrations about the safety of tourists in the country. The concerns are palpable, and the conversation is growing louder by the day.

Chantal Candice Cupido Cornelissen took to social media to question why the Belgian man was alone on Signal Hill, sparking a debate about whether tourists should venture out solo. “What was the Belgian man doing alone on Signal Hill? Weird🤫,” she wrote, raising eyebrows across the platform.

“What was the Belgian man doing alone on Signal Hill? Weird🤫.” – Chantal Candice Cupido Cornelissen

Jenny Moon echoed similar sentiments, warning others about the dangers of Signal Hill. “Signal Hill is not safe😕. Always go in groups and take the time to explore the beauty of Cape Town safely,” she advised.

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“Signal Hill is not safe😕. Go in groups and explore beautiful Cape Town.” – Jenny Moon

Others, like Gloria Olisawoli Okon, were more critical, calling on the government to take responsibility for the safety of tourists. “This news must trend. The world needs to know that tourists are dying in Cape Town, and the government seems indifferent,” she stated bluntly.

“This news must trend. Let the world know that tourists die in Cape Town and the government does not care.” – Gloria Olisawoli Okon

Naomi Kuipers Schulze went even further, urging European tourists to reconsider visiting South Africa altogether. “European tourists should think twice before stepping foot into the viper’s nest that SA has become,” she warned, highlighting the growing sense of unease.

“European tourists should not even think of coming to the viper’s nest that SA has become.” – Naomi Kuipers Schulze

Victor Tuffy Kloke added his voice to the chorus of concern, advising foreign visitors to steer clear of South Africa due to rising crime rates. “I keep telling foreign visitors not to visit SA because of the safety issues and rampant robberies. This beautiful country is no longer the one we once knew,” he lamented.

“I keep advising foreign visitors not to visit SA due to safety and robberies. This beautiful country is no more the country we knew.” – Victor Tuffy Kloke

Elisabeth Wenk offered practical advice for guest houses and travel bureaus, suggesting they warn tourists about the potential dangers of exploring alone. “Guest houses should inform foreign tourists never to go to places on their own. Always keep copies of their passports and avoid carrying large sums of money. Travel bureaus worldwide should warn their customers about the safety concerns in South Africa,” she emphasized.

“Guest houses in South Africa should tell foreign tourists never to go to places on their own. Always have copies of their passports so they can leave their original ones in a safe place. They should not take a lot of money with them.” – Elisabeth Wenk

Louise Jacobs summed up the sentiment shared by many, cautioning tourists against visiting South Africa. “Don’t come to SA. We have devils here,” she bluntly stated, reflecting the harsh reality faced by visitors to the region.

“Don’t come to SA. We have got devils here.” – Louise Jacobs

Remembering Brook Cheuvront: Another Tragic Loss

This incident is not the first time tragedy has struck tourists in the Western Cape. Briefly News previously covered the heartbreaking story of Brook Cheuvront, a young American hiker whose body was found on Devil’s Peak after she went missing during an internship in South Africa on September 21, 2024. Her death left her family and friends devastated, and an inquest into the cause of her passing was opened shortly after her body was discovered the following day.

As the investigation into the Belgian man’s death continues, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served and that steps will be taken to ensure the safety of all visitors to the region. Until then, the message is clear: stay vigilant, travel in groups, and always prioritize your safety when exploring the breathtaking landscapes of South Africa.