Two academics were the latest victims of mugging on Table Mountain, Cape Town.

Samuel Ginsberg, an electrical engineering lecturer from University of Cape Town, were visiting Lion's Head with a British friend, Frank Podd, a lecturer from the University of Bradfort in the UK, on Wednesday afternoon when two armed men approached them.

According to the Cape Time, the muggers had knives when they threatened Ginsberg and Podd at around 5.30pm. Ginsberg tried to escape, but he tripped and was apprehended by one of the attackers.

Both men lost their possessions. Podd will return to the UK without his credit cards, wallet and cellphones, says the Cape Times report.

The number of crime incidents on Table Mountain reported in 2008 have decreased compared to the previous years.

The SANparks authorities beefed up security following a particularly violent August in 2007, when there were 15 muggings in a period of 14 days.

Now there is an additional 52 rangers patrolling the mountain daily.

Authorities have advised visitors to the mountain to hike in groups and not to carry valuables.