Sanral backs away from R180 million N2 wall after fatal smash and grab attack
City of Cape Town plans R180 million security wall along N2 amid rising crime.
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The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) has formally distanced itself from a proposed R180 million security wall along the N2 near Cape Town International Airport, stating that it has neither jurisdiction over the affected section of road nor has it been consulted on the plan, the Cape Argus has reported.
Responding to media enquiries, SANRAL spokesperson Lwando Mahlasela clarified that the agency has no authority over the portion of the N2 between the airport and the city centre — the site of a recent fatal smash-and-grab attack.
“The stretch of the N2 from Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) to the Raapenberg Interchange (N2/M5) falls under the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure. The section from Raapenberg into the city centre falls under the City of Cape Town,” Mahlasela explained. “SANRAL’s jurisdiction begins just before the Swartklip Interchange (N2/R300) heading eastwards.”
He added that SANRAL had not been approached by the City of Cape Town regarding the wall: “We have not been engaged on the proposed project. It is not clear under whose jurisdiction the wall is intended to be constructed.”
Despite not being involved in this specific initiative, Mahlasela said SANRAL supports the use of physical barriers as a safety measure on major freeways. “Barriers such as walls and fencing help control access and channel pedestrians to designated crossing points, thereby improving safety,” he said. “Ongoing maintenance is carried out on existing barrier infrastructure.”
Mahlasela further noted that SANRAL’s role in addressing freeway safety risks extends beyond physical infrastructure. “We are the implementing agent for the Western Cape Freeway Management System (FMS), which includes over 280 CCTV cameras monitored around the clock. The FMS enables rapid detection and coordinated response to freeway incidents in partnership with law enforcement.”
Grandmother Karin van Aardt was stabbed to death while on her way to see her family.
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The City of Cape Town has previously stated that it plans to erect a security wall near the airport precinct at an estimated cost of R180 million, despite parts of the road being under provincial and national jurisdiction. It said detailed proposals would be tabled in March as part of the capital budget process.
The wall has been proposed in the wake of a fatal attack on grandmother Karin van Aardt, who was stabbed to death during a smash-and-grab incident near Jakes Gerwel Drive while on her way to visit family.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed that three suspects — Ndiyabulela Vayi, Thando Nkolongo and Yamnkela Mdunyelwa — appeared this week in the Bishop Lavis Magistrates’ Court on charges of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
According to the State, the accused were lying in wait on the grass near the intersection when they spotted Van Aardt’s vehicle stop at a traffic light. Nkolongo allegedly used a spark plug to break the passenger-side window, while Vayi attempted to steal the victim’s handbag and GPS. When she resisted, he allegedly stabbed her multiple times.
The case has reignited public concern over safety on the N2, with renewed pressure on authorities to enhance security measures and clarify responsibility for crime prevention along key transport corridors.
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