SANRAL distances itself from proposed R180 million N2 security wall
City of Cape Town plans R180 million security wall along N2 amid rising crime.
Image: Independent Newspapers Archives
SANRAL has formally distanced itself from a proposed R180 million security wall along the N2, saying it has no jurisdiction over the stretch of road at the centre of a deadly smash-and-grab attack - and has not been consulted on the plan.
Responding to media enquiries, South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) spokesperson Lwando Mahlasela said the agency has no authority over the stretch of road between Cape Town International Airport and the city centre.
“The portion of N2 between the CTIA area to Raapenberg Interchange (N2/M5) falls under the jurisdiction of the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure, and the portion of N2 from Raapenberg Interchange (M5) into the city centre falls under the City of Cape Town jurisdiction,” Mahlasela said.
“SANRAL has no jurisdiction over this portion of the N2 between CTIA and city centre. The SANRAL jurisdiction starts just before the Swartklip Interchange (N2/R300) eastwards.”
He confirmed that SANRAL has not been involved in planning the proposed security wall. “SANRAL has not been engaged by the City of Cape Town on the proposed wall. It is not clear on who’s jurisdiction of the N2 the wall being referred to will be built,” Mahlasela said.
On whether SANRAL supports physical barriers as a safety intervention, Mahlasela said such measures do play a role in freeway safety. “Physical barriers are critical for road safety interventions as they assist by controlling access, including pedestrians access, on high mobility roads such as the N2 freeway,” he said.
“Physical barriers i.e. wall and fencing also help channel pedestrians to designated safe access and crossing points. There is ongoing maintenance being undertaken on the existing barrier walls.”
Grandmother Karin van Aardt was stabbed to death while on her way to see her family.
Image: Facebook
Mahlasela added that SANRAL’s role in addressing broader safety risks is through technology and coordination rather than policing. “SANRAL is the implementing agent for the Western Cape Freeway Management System (FMS),” he said.
“The FMS covers all major freeways in the City of Cape Town and has over 280 CCTV cameras managed on a 24/7 basis, to detect and respond to incidents on the freeways within the Metro. The FMS personnel work closely with Law Enforcement to respond to criminal incidents and focus on known hotspots.”
The City of Cape Town has said the N2 is a national road, with SANRAL and the provincial government responsible for aspects such as fencing and median maintenance, but confirmed it is nonetheless planning a security wall near the airport precinct.
“The City is planning for a security wall along the N2 around the airport to be erected. This will come at a significant cost estimated at around R180m, but the City is committed to ensuring it is done,” the City said, adding that details would be available when the capital budget is tabled in March.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed that Ndiyabulela Vayi, Thando Nkolongo and Yamnkela Mdunyelwa appeared in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court on charges of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances this week.They are accused of killing grandmother Karin van Aardt.
According to the State’s allegations, the three accused were lying on the grass near Jakes Gerwel Drive when they saw the vehicle in which the deceased was travelling stop at a red robot. They allegedly ran towards the car, with Nkolongo using a spark plug to break the passenger window. Vayi is accused of attempting to grab the deceased’s bag and GPS. When she resisted, he allegedly stabbed her several times.
Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
Cape Argus