Key Takeaways
- The City of Cape Town has reiterated its commitment to road safety and crime prevention after a motorist was targeted on the M22 Airport Approach slipway onto the N2.
- The City’s Freeway Management Plan, introduced in August 2024, aims to curb crime-related incidents on major transport routes and improve assistance to motorists.
- The plan involves the deployment of over 50 officers per shift, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, along priority routes such as the N2, N1, R300, N7, Airport Approach, and other key transport links.
- The City monitors these routes continuously through CCTV and Freeway Management System cameras, allowing teams to identify suspicious activity and shorten response times.
- Motorists are encouraged to stay vigilant and report suspicious or criminal activity to the 107 Call Centre or 021 480 7700.
Introduction to the Incident
The City of Cape Town has reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring road safety and preventing crime after a disturbing incident occurred on the M22 Airport Approach slipway onto the N2. On Thursday evening, at approximately 7 pm, a motorist was targeted while traveling in the direction of Somerset West. This incident took place within a section of road covered by the municipality’s Freeway Management Plan, an initiative introduced in August 2024 to curb crime-related incidents on major transport routes and improve assistance to motorists. The City’s thoughts are with the motorist affected by the incident, and officials acknowledge that no safety strategy can entirely eliminate criminal activity. However, they emphasize that layered security continues to show measurable results.
The Freeway Management Plan
The Freeway Management Plan, as outlined by the City’s Safety and Security Directorate, operates around the clock and focuses on some of Cape Town’s busiest and most vulnerable road corridors. Under this plan, more than 50 officers are deployed per shift, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, along priority routes such as the N2, N1, R300, N7, Airport Approach, and other key transport links. These officers are stationed at identified crime hotspots, including Borcherds Quarry and Airport Approach, with the goal of deterring opportunistic criminal activity and providing visible support to road users. The City also monitors these routes continuously through CCTV and Freeway Management System cameras, allowing teams to identify suspicious activity and shorten response times.
Response to the Incident
During the afternoon and early evening window between 3 pm and 8 pm on Thursday, Safety and Security Services were actively deployed across the freeway network. Officers assisted at three motor vehicle accidents, attended to 31 broken-down vehicles, and were stationed at Borcherds Quarry, one of the identified hotspots, at the time the Airport Approach incident occurred. When the incident on the M22/N2 was reported, members of the City’s Ghost Squad responded promptly, assisted the motorist, and facilitated the formal reporting of the matter to Airport SAPS. This swift response demonstrates the effectiveness of the Freeway Management Plan and the collaboration between municipal services and national law enforcement agencies.
Enforcement Outcomes and Lessons Learned
City officials also referenced recent enforcement outcomes linked to freeway policing, including the arrest of three suspects within 96 hours following the murder of Ms. van Aardt in early December 2025 on Jakes Gerwel Road. The suspects were handed over to police and remain in custody after abandoning their bail application. This case highlights the importance of coordinated efforts between municipal services and national law enforcement agencies. Moreover, the City noted that most freeway call-outs are not crime-related, but rather involve mechanical failures such as overheating vehicles, flat tires, or motorists running out of fuel. Officials warned that such breakdowns increase the risk of motorists becoming targets and urged road users to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, adequately fueled, and prepared before traveling.
Conclusion and Future Commitment
While acknowledging that no single plan can prevent every incident, the City remains committed to ongoing evaluation and strengthening of the Freeway Management Plan. Motorists are encouraged to stay vigilant and report suspicious or criminal activity to the 107 Call Centre or 021 480 7700. By working together, the City and its residents can create a safer and more secure environment for all road users. The City’s dedication to road safety and crime prevention is unwavering, and officials will continue to monitor and improve the Freeway Management Plan to ensure the well-being of all citizens.