Motorists are being warned to avoid driving along the N7 near Dunoon at night following a terrifying incident in which a group of criminals attempted to ambush a vehicle using strategically-placed debris.
The incident occurred at approximately 23:50 on Saturday night. An Uber carrying passengers from Cape Town International Airport to Melkbosstrand encountered a dangerous road trap just past Dunoon, where steel beams and other debris had been laid across the highway.
The Uber driver narrowly avoided a serious accident, but sustained severe damage to the vehicle after both left-side tyres were destroyed. Immediately following the impact several men emerged from the roadside grass and charged toward the immobilised vehicle.
Displaying remarkable presence of mind and courage, the driver refused to stop, continuing to drive the damaged vehicle on its rims for several kilometres until it eventually gave out.
The passengers attempted to contact emergency services via 10111, but received no answer. A call to the Melkbosstrand Police Station revealed that the incident had taken place outside their jurisdiction, but the officer on duty committed to contacting Table View police for assistance.
While stranded, the group tried to flag down passing motorists, but were ignored. Eventually, after nearly 40 minutes, a good Samaritan identified as Shane Warne from Atlantis stopped to help. Only after he had assisted them did police arrive on the scene.
“This is a known hot spot, and yet there seems to be little visible police presence or preventative infrastructure,” one of the passengers said. “Something needs to change before lives are lost.”
Solid wall
Residents and commuters are now calling on local authorities to install solid municipal walls along the verges of highways adjacent to high-risk areas such as Dunoon. These types of barriers, commonly used in urban areas, can be quickly erected and easily maintained, offering a much-needed layer of protection.
“We are making self-imposed detours around Dunoon and Malibongwe” Agi Orfanos, a resident, said in an email to the Mayor. “I myself always take the older, longer route along Plattekloof to Durbanville or through Melkbos to go to Malmesbury. Maybe you too should remove Malibongwe and Potsdam Road, even the N7, from Google maps or at least build a solid wall on your property on your verges and in the central median of Malibongwe, as you have done at the sewage works. It is quick, it’s solid, it goes up fast and can be repaired fast and easily. Can the DA build this new technology vibracrete solid wall around the roads?
“It’s not the DA province’s responsibility; enough excuses for 20 years to build the wall on your property to stop your residents attacking motorists and accessing the N7, Malibongwe and Potsdam roads illegally for the safety of all. According to a councillor she blames the DA province. But no! Enough excuses now.”
City investigating
JP Smith, Mayco member for Safety and Security, said the City received information of the incident involving the Uber driver and relayed it to its Special Investigation Unit.
“As the lead agency on crime prevention, the police will need to address this, but the City has been undertaking operations in relation to this since last year. This has included using drones to spot offenders and where they run to, which enables arrests.”
He added that Safety and Security had also been pushing for proper fencing along these roads to avoid the ease of attacks.
“Our information services informed me that these attacks declined from last year, but have started to increase again, possibly because of the release from prison of a perpetrator. Our enforcement services are engaging with Milnerton police to plan an operation based on newest information.”
Authorities are urging drivers to avoid travelling on this stretch of the N7 at night and remain vigilant.
If you’ve encountered similar incidents or have concerns, contact your local police branch or community policing forum. Tip-offs should be directed to our dedicated tip-off line: 0800 110077.
