A 16-year-old boy has died after allegedly fleeing a smash-and-grab incident on the N2 during peak afternoon traffic in Cape Town.

Gugulethu police responded to the incident on Tuesday and found that the teenager had allegedly fled the scene of the robbery before running into the path of an oncoming Ford EcoSport.

The vehicle struck the teenager, who sustained fatal injuries. Medical personnel declared him dead at the scene.

Police are investigating cases of culpable homicide and common robbery.

Cape Town FF+ councillor Emre Uygun says the teenager’s death is a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by both motorists and those involved in criminal activity along the highway, often referred to as the “Hell Run”.

“These incidents not only place motorists and passengers at serious risk, but can also have devastating consequences for the perpetrators themselves and cause significant trauma to innocent road users who may be unable to stop or avoid smash-and-grabbers suddenly running into traffic on the N2.”

Uygun says motorists should not let their guard down despite a reported reduction in incidents following calls for stronger safety measures.

He has again called for increased visibility and patrols by Traffic Services, SAPS and Law Enforcement, particularly during peak traffic when motorists are vulnerable while stuck in congestion.

“The threat remains very real,” Uygun said, adding that commuters who rely on the N2 often have little or no alternative routes.

The Freedom Front Plus councillor has also called for greater engagement with neighbourhood watches and community safety structures in informal settlements surrounding the N2.

He says these groups could help authorities identify potential criminal activity and prevent young people from being recruited into syndicates targeting motorists.

Uygun has further called for the planned N2 wall and other measures aimed at restricting escape routes for criminals to be expedited.

He says Tuesday’s incident should prompt all spheres of government to take decisive action to improve safety along the highway.

Motorists who encounter an emergency on the N2 can contact the City of Cape Town’s emergency number on 021 480 7700.