Councillor urges N2 action after ‘hell run’ smash-and-grab death

Calls are mounting for the government to accelerate security measures along Cape Town’s notorious N2 highway after the death of a 16-year-old alleged smash-and-grabber during a robbery on the route.

In a media statement, FF Plus councillor Emre Uygun said the incident should prompt all spheres of government to urgently implement measures aimed at protecting motorists and preventing attacks on the highway.

“Yesterday’s incident on the N2 must compel all spheres of government to act decisively instead of blaming one another. We cannot continue waiting for more people to be injured or killed on the N2 before meaningful preventative measures are implemented on our highways,” he said.

According to reports, the teenager was allegedly fleeing after a smash-and-grab incident when he was struck by a vehicle during peak-hour traffic.

Uygun described the teenager’s death as a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by both motorists and perpetrators on the stretch of road known as the “hell run”.

“The death of a 16-year-old smash-and-grabber on the N2 is a tragic reminder of just how serious and dangerous the ‘hell run’ remains, despite more than two decades of criminality and attacks on motorists,” he said.

The notorious stretch of the N2 runs between Somerset West, Cape Town International Airport and the city centre, passing areas including Nyanga, Philippi, Borcherds Quarry and Mew Way.

While there has been a reduction in incidents since we began advocating for stronger safety measures through multiple media releases, motorists must not let their guard down—  Emre Uygun, FF Plus councillor

The route has developed a reputation for smash-and-grab attacks and violent ambushes, with motorists targeted while travelling through congested sections of the highway.

Uygun called for the planned R180m high-security wall along high-risk sections of the N2 to be expedited.

“The planned N2 wall and other safety measures to restrict escape routes for these criminals must be expedited by Sanral, the City of Cape Town, along with the Western Cape Government, which is the responsible sphere of government for the N2 stretch next to Cape Town International Airport.”

The City of Cape Town has previously announced plans for a high-security wall barrier along sections of the N2 aimed at separating the highway from surrounding informal settlements and restricting direct access to the road.

Despite this, concerns remain about blind spots and delays in responding to incidents.