Following a series of smash-and-grab incidents on various freeways and secondary routes in the City this year, the City’s Mayoral Committee member for safety and security, JP Smith, has condemned these incidents, describing them as unacceptable.
In a statement, Smith said the City has implemented several measures to curb this criminal behaviour.
Freeway management plan targets smash-and-grab hotspots
He explained that since its implementation in August 2024, the City’s Freeway Management Plan has been actively deployed to reduce crime-related incidents on major freeways and secondary routes, improve response times, and assist motorists in need. The initiative forms part of the City’s broader commitment to enhancing the safety and security of all road users.
Hotspot areas identified by authorities
Under the plan:
· More than 50 officers are deployed per shift, operating seven days a week along priority routes, including the N2, N1, R300, N7, Airport Approach, and other key corridors.
· Officers are stationed at identified crime hotspot locations to deter criminal activity and support road users.
· Priority deployments focus on areas known for opportunistic crime, such as Borcherds Quarry and Airport Approach.
· The City continuously monitors these routes via CCTV and Freeway Management System (FMS) cameras, operating 24/7 to detect suspicious activity and improve response times.
· The City’s Road Safety Education Team actively enforces pedestrian safety along freeways to reduce pedestrian-vehicle incidents.
Smith emphasised that while police remain the lead agency in crime prevention, the City’s enforcement agencies play a supporting role where possible.
“Motorists should remain vigilant and be aware of their surroundings while driving. They are encouraged to report incidents by contacting the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 and providing detailed information,” he said.
Why crime statistics are not being released
Meanwhile, provincial police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk declined to release statistics on smash-and-grab incidents recorded this year, citing restrictions.
“Kindly be advised that, due to a moratorium, statistics are not disclosed to the media. Quarterly crime statistics are released by the Acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, and previously released statistics are available on our website at www.saps.gov.za,” said Van Wyk.
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