Cape Town's N2 gun scare reignites debate on highway safety

An armed incident on the N2 near Mew Way on Wednesday afternoon has renewed scrutiny of highway safety, prompting sharp exchanges between the City of Cape Town and the Freedom Front Plus over policing visibility and proposed infrastructure measures.

The City said that shortly before 2pm, three male suspects were reported attempting to stop motorists near Mew Way.

According to the City, the suspects allegedly pointed a firearm at motorists.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, said Law Enforcement officers and Traffic Services responded within minutes.

“Three male suspects were seen trying to stop motorists near Mew Way,” Smith said.

“Law Enforcement officers along with Traffic Services responded within minutes but the suspects fled into the thick reeds.”

Smith said the incident underscored the need for additional safety measures along the route.

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

He added that the City “continues to deploy close to 100 officials to the highways as part of our Freeway Management Plan” and urged residents to report suspicious activity to the Public Emergency Call Centre on 021 480 7700 or 107 from a landline.

Freedom Front Plus councillor Emre Uygun described images circulating of armed individuals on the N2 as “deeply shocking and alarming”, and linked Wednesday’s incident to another reported episode a day earlier.

“This follows a similar incident yesterday, where an armed individual stood in the middle of the N2 just after the Spine Road turnoff, attempting to force vehicles off the road to rob them,” Uygun said.

Uygun said that after reports emerged of motorists being forced off the N2, he personally travelled along the highway.

“I did not observe a single police, law enforcement or traffic vehicle stationed or actively patrolling the area following the incident,” he said.

“If anyone wants to dispute that claim, I have my entire trip on the N2 recorded on a dashcam.”

He said the situation “requires urgent intervention from all three spheres of government” and called for “visible policing, rapid response and real protection of motorists on our highways along with arrests”.

Uygun further proposed “a unified operational strategy, joint patrols, intelligence-driven deployments” between the City and the South African Police Service, as well as drone operations in areas where suspects allegedly flee when sought by authorities.

The latest incident has again placed the spotlight on safety along the N2 corridor, one of Cape Town’s busiest commuter routes, as political leaders advance differing views on whether enhanced enforcement, infrastructure upgrades or coordinated intergovernmental action will provide the most effective response.

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