The City of Cape Town has reiterated its commitment to road safety and crime prevention following an incident on the M22 Airport Approach slipway onto the N2, where a motorist was targeted on Thursday evening at about 7pm while travelling in the direction of Somerset West.
City officials confirmed that the incident occurred 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.
Municipal authorities said their thoughts remain with the motorist affected by the incident, noting that no safety strategy can entirely eliminate criminal activity but that layered security continues to show measurable results.
As outlined by the City’s Safety and Security Directorate, the Freeway Management Plan operates around the clock and focuses on some of Cape Town’s busiest and most vulnerable road corridors.
Under the 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.
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.
In addition, the Road Safety Education Team works to enforce pedestrian safety on freeways to reduce dangerous contact between vehicles and people on foot.
City officials confirmed that during the afternoon and early evening window between 3pm and 8pm on Thursday, Safety and Security Services were actively deployed across the freeway network.
During that period, 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.
City officials also referenced recent enforcement outcomes linked to freeway policing, as they confirmed that three suspects were arrested 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.
Authorities said this case underscored the importance of coordinated efforts between municipal services and national law enforcement agencies.
The City noted that most freeway call-outs are not crime-related. Instead, they typically involve mechanical failures such as overheating vehicles, flat tyres, 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 fuelled, and prepared before travelling.
While acknowledging that no single plan can prevent every incident, the City said it 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.
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