Cape Town has launched its largest safety deployment in over a decade with 40 new Metro Police officers now patrolling the N2 highway, Airport precinct, and Borcherd’s Quarry areas as part of a comprehensive plan to combat rising highway crime.
The N2 corridor has been a persistent crime and protest hotspot for years, with incidents ranging from armed robberies to violent demonstrations that have repeatedly shut down this critical route. The highway has witnessed numerous fatalities linked to both criminal activity and protest action, making it one of the Western Cape’s most dangerous stretches of road for motorists and a key concern for authorities managing traffic to Cape Town International Airport.
The deployment, announced Wednesday by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, forms part of a historic 700-officer expansion that will see dedicated neighborhood policing in every ward across the city for the first time.
“We are sending a clear message to our partners in SAPS and national government: we are here to help make Cape Town safer, including along this key N2 route for commuters and visitors,” Hill-Lewis said during the launch ceremony alongside Alderman JP Smith, the city’s Safety and Security portfolio head.
The new officers will operate around-the-clock along the N2, focusing on peak incident times during early morning hours when traffic is lighter and criminals exploit quiet conditions.
Official statistics reveal the scope of the problem: Metro Police responded to 2 215 incidents on the N2 and R300 in the past year, with 85% involving vehicle breakdowns, fuel shortages, or flat tires. Officers also assisted eight robbery victims during this period.
“These statistics are a stark reminder of just how critical a dedicated enforcement presence is,” Smith explained. Most crimes are opportunistic, targeting motorists who stop to drop passengers, take calls, or deal with mechanical problems.
The City’s Integrated Freeway Safety Plan extends beyond officer deployment to include sophisticated camera technology with automated license plate recognition. Officers carry dashcam equipment capable of identifying stolen vehicles and recording violations.
The N2 initiative is part of broader safety efforts targeting priority routes including the R300, N1, N7, M3, and M5 highways, plus secondary arterial roads.
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight Anroux Marais welcomed the deployment, stating the increased patrols will “restore a sense of safety on a critical gateway to our province and city.”
All new Metro Police recruits completed an intensive 18-month program.
The deployment coordinates with multiple stakeholders including SAPS, provincial traffic authorities, public transport providers, and Eskom.
Authorities further recommend the following steps to be taken for driver safety:
- Avoid late-night travel when possible
- Ensure vehicles are mechanically sound
- Carry spare tires and necessary tools
- Keep phones charged with emergency numbers saved
- Share travel routes and live locations with contacts
- Never stop on highways for non-emergencies
- Report suspicious vehicles or activities immediately
For emergencies, motorists should contact the Public Emergency Communication Centre at 021 480 7700.
ALSO READ: Mother gunned down on R300, sparking outcry over Cape Town’s highway safety
You must be logged in to post a comment.