HIGHWAY HELL

MORE than ten smash-and-grab attacks hit Jakes Gerwel Drive, near the Langa turn-off yesterday with one motorist opening fire on his attacker, and authorities highlighting the lack of police visibility.

The latest data reveals law enforcement responded to 2 215 crime-related incidents on the N2 and R300 in a space of a year.

Bonteheuwel Ward 50 councillor Angus McKenzie said the incidents unfolded between 6am and 7am, seeing motorists being trapped due to traffic congestion.

He said: “There was no police visibility and I’ve taken the matter up with SAPS.

“SAPS is responsible for monitoring the criminal activity and I was told that the incidents took place during their shift change.”

McKenzie met Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSOs) from both Langa and Bonteheuwel following the attacks.

“I have met with with Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSOs) of both Langa and Bonteheuwel and we have put together an operational plan that will see the NSOs patrolling that section during peak times.”

He described the morning as chaotic, adding: “There were at least ten or 11 smash-and-grabs, at free will, with suspects just running between vehicles, due to the back-up of traffic.

"I can confirm that one of the motorists opened fire on them but not whether anyone was shot. I haven’t heard any reports of injuries or death.”

Although the area does not fall within his ward, McKenzie said his NSOs would assist.

He said: “Unfortunately, this will take away some of their ability to patrol within the community but the Langa and Bonteheuwel NSOs will be working together.”

The attacks come amid rising concern about criminal incidents on the N2 and R300. In a statement, Freedom Front Plus councillor Emre Uygun said Cape Town’s highways “have recently become war zones for motorists due to a sharp increase in stone-throwing incidents and lethal attacks”.

He cited several recent cases, including a 7pm incident on November 13 in which a Somerset West doctor was injured near the Borcherds Quarry off-ramp. A mother also reported her son’s vehicle being struck by a stone earlier this month on the Stellenbosch Arterial.

Uygun said law enforcement responded to 2 215 crime-related incidents on the N2 and R300 in a space of a year.

“These attacks follow a chilling pattern,” he said. He added: “Prevention is not an option; it is absolutely crucial.”

“The City cannot shirk its responsibility. If action is not taken at once, the blood of innocent motorists will be on its hands.”

City mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith said the City works closely with SAPS, the Western Cape Government and private security companies to monitor the area.

He responded: “We also utilise the various CCTV networks to help monitor known hotspots and to help redirect our resources where potential threats are identified. Opportunistic criminals are not static at a given site and often move around.”

“The City has also upgraded its CCTV equipment to ensure clear visual identification of suspects to assist SAPS in their investigations.”

SAPS did not reply to queries.