A criminal investigation is underway after a man and woman were injured during a protest in Observatory last Friday.
Amid nationwide anti-gender-based violence demonstrations, the pair were part of a group picketing along Main Road.
Videos have since circulated on social media, which show the moment the vehicle allegedly struck the protesters.
Western Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, confirmed that the matter is now the subject of an active criminal investigation. A case of reckless and negligent driving was opened at Woodstock police station
“On Friday, 21 November 2025, at about 12:00, in Main Road, Observatory… a white Toyota Corolla bumped into peaceful protesters and sped off,” said Twigg.
Twigg noted that no arrests had been made yet.
Meanwhile, the GOOD Party’s City of Cape Town councillor Roscoe Palm condemned the incident. He noted that the woman was seriously injured, with both victims requiring hospitalisation.
Palm believes there was no justification for the motorist to use his vehicle to harm unarmed people who were lawfully protesting. He argues that such actions indicate a disregard for human life and minimise the daily trauma experienced by women.
“When people feel entitled to harm others without consequence, women and vulnerable groups pay the highest price. Standing against GBV means confronting every form of violence that chips away at our humanity,” said Palm.
He further called for swift action against the perpetrator.
“Law enforcement must track down the perpetrator and arrest him. True accountability is non-negotiable. Our legal system must send a clear message that violence, especially violence carried out on a day meant to confront GBV, will not be tolerated,” said Palm.
Police have appealed to anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app anonymously.
