In just a matter of seconds after loadshedding hits the city, motorists are being stoned on the N7 between Melkbosstrand and the Milnerton off-ramps.
And if that is not enough for motorists to stop their vehicles, stones are placed on this road, resulting in vehicles being damaged “and motorists having to pull over, attacking and robbing you”, says concerned resident Aiden Philander.
Another resident who wishes to remain anonymous says he witnessed a few incidents during loadshedding – especially from 02:00 in the early hours of the morning.
“I saw a few guys coming from Dunoon’s side, just opposite Richwood, and stoning a vehicle. The guy or woman managed to get away, but the vehicle was really damaged. I have reported it, but it was so dark and I just picked up speed to avoid the same happening to me,” he says.
He is urging other motorists to rather use an alternative route as the N7 is not safe anymore.
“If you have no other option but to drive on the N7, be very cautious. These criminals hide behind nearby bushes and really plan these attacks. They are taking advantage of loadshedding to carry out their criminal activities. Police have been made aware of this,” he says.
Problem being addressed
Milnerton Police confirmed that they are experiencing cases of motorists being stoned on the N7.
Capt Nopaya Madyibi, Milnerton police spokesperson, told TygerBurger that cases were reported and they have addressed the problem before it escalated.
Bothasig police recently issued a warning to the community of robbery incidents taking place in their precinct.
WO Jacques Mostert, a spokesperson for Bothasig police, says although robbery cases have not been localised in the precinct, the bulk of cases currently reported emanate from the areas in the vicinity of Richwood and the N7.
“According to analysis the area standing out is the N7 between Dunoon and Richwood. The modus operandi of robbers is that they target vehicles that stop on the N7. Motorists stop to pick up staff who live in Dunoon, wait for other vehicles or people, and sometimes break down or run out of fuel, all of which makes them very vulnerable to being robbed,” he says.
When spotting motorists stopping, the criminals will run across the N7, rob motorists, or even pedestrians, and then run back into Dunoon, making it very difficult to locate them.
Visible policing
Bothasig police have since endeavoured to be more visible on the N7 and adjacent areas such as Atlantic Hills and the open field next to De Zicht to prevent robberies from occurring. This is with the aid of the local security companies supporting Bothasig police.
“However, the criminals will seize opportunities to commit robberies when law enforcement agencies are not visible. Pedestrians on their way to work or back, crossing the N7 to and from Dunoon, are also targeted by robbers,” Mostert says.
Mostert also confirmed the same tendency of robbers putting stones on the N7 with the aim of damaging vehicles, trying to force them to stop to rob the occupants during loadshedding.
“An incident like this occurred during loadshedding, but luckily for the motorist Bothasig police members were patrolling the N7 at the time and could assist the motorist to change the tyre and move out of the area,” he says.
Madyibi advised motorists to use alternative routes when travelling.
“The problem of shacks adjacent to the road is that people can throw anything in the road. Authorities such as metro police, law enforcement and traffic officers have been informed and are of great assistance,” she says.
