The City of Cape Town has confirmed a serious safety incident along the N2 highway after three armed suspects allegedly attempted to stop motorists on Wednesday afternoon, 18 February.

According to City officials, the incident occurred shortly before 14:00 near the Mew Way off-ramp, where three male suspects were reportedly seen pointing a firearm at passing vehicles in an apparent attempt to force motorists to pull over.

Law Enforcement officers and Traffic Services responded within minutes, but the suspects fled the scene, escaping into dense reeds nearby.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said the incident highlights ongoing safety concerns along the busy highway corridor.

“This incident serves as a stark reminder that improved walling along the N2 is urgently needed to keep our residents safe from brazen attacks,” Smith said.

“The City continues to deploy close to 100 officials to the highways as part of our Freeway Management Plan, and our teams will continue to monitor the area closely.”

Smith added that residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the City’s Public Emergency Call Centre on 021 480 7700 or 107 from a landline.

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Political concern over repeated incidents

Meanwhile, the Freedom Front Plus in Cape Town has expressed alarm over what it describes as a growing pattern of attacks targeting motorists along the N2.

Ward councillor Emre Uygun said the party was “deeply shocked and alarmed” by images circulating online showing armed individuals attempting to force vehicles off the road.

Uygun said the latest incident follows a similar case reported a day earlier near the Spine Road turnoff, where an armed suspect allegedly stood in the roadway attempting to stop vehicles.

He questioned the effectiveness of previously announced safety deployments, including the rollout of additional Metro Police officers near Cape Town International Airport last year.

“The situation on the N2 is spiralling out of control and requires urgent intervention from all three spheres of government,” Uygun said, adding that visible policing, rapid-response operations and coordinated enforcement between the City, SAPS and SANRAL were needed.

Uygun also called for intelligence-driven deployments and drone surveillance, arguing that suspects frequently escape into nearby informal settlements after incidents.

Calls for coordinated response

The City maintains that highway patrols remain active and form part of a broader freeway safety strategy, while political leaders are calling for stronger intergovernmental coordination to address crime along major transport routes.

No injuries were reported in Wednesday’s incident, and investigations are ongoing. Authorities have urged motorists to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious behaviour on highways.

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