N2 near Cape Town airport hit by rock-throwing attacks, gun threats

CAPE TOWN – Motorists travelling on the N2 near Cape Town International Airport are being warned about a surge in dangerous attacks involving rocks, firearms and attempted robberies.

The incidents are particularly concentrated around the airport approach and the Macassar Bridge area, where criminals have been targeting vehicles and forcing drivers to stop.

Councillor Emre Uygun said attackers have been throwing objects onto the highway to damage vehicles and create opportunities for robberies or hijackings.

Ambulance hit with a concrete block

One of the latest incidents involved an ambulance that was struck by a large concrete block.

Uygun said the block weighed around 15 to 20 kilograms and smashed into the windscreen.

“That was about a 15-to-20-kilogram concrete block that was thrown at the ambulance,” he said.

The incident happened shortly after midnight near Macassar Bridge.

According to Uygun, the block struck the top centre of the windscreen, preventing serious injuries to the crew.

“It most likely was the reason why none of the ambulance drivers got injured.”

Authorities frequently remove rocks and other objects that are deliberately placed on the N2 in that area, he said.

Drivers threatened with rocks and guns

Motorists have also reported being threatened by people standing on or near the roadway holding rocks or firearms.

One driver described a frightening encounter near the airport approach while travelling with his wife.

“There was a guy with two rocks in his hands basically gesturing to throw them at us,” the motorist said.

He accelerated and managed to get away unharmed.

“I just pretty much sped off, and nothing happened to us.”

Attacks are spreading to other highways

The N2 is not the only route affected.

Uygun said attacks have also been reported on the N1 near the Sable Road Bridge.

About five to seven vehicles were targeted in one recent incident between 10 pm and 11 pm, when objects were thrown into the road.

The attacks damaged tyres and forced drivers to stop.

A security company and tow-truck drivers intervened and helped prevent further harm.

Suspects fleeing into nearby settlements

Authorities have cameras monitoring the N2 and the surrounding areas.

Uygun said surveillance systems can detect threatening behaviour, including when someone pulls out a firearm.

However, suspects often escape into nearby informal settlements before police arrive.

“When he escaped into the nearby informal settlement, law enforcement couldn’t pursue further,” Uygun said.

He has called for aerial support to help track fleeing suspects.

Calls for stronger protection on N2

Uygun said proposals to build barriers along parts of the N2 could help prevent criminals from easily accessing the highway.

However, he warned that infrastructure alone would not solve the problem.

“We need armed patrols at those various hotspots on the N2,” he said.

For motorists who regularly drive on the N2 – particularly those travelling to and from Cape Town International Airport – the route has become a growing source of fear.

Some drivers are now choosing longer alternative routes to avoid the airport approach entirely.

For more information, listen to Uygun on CapeTalk’s Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit using the audio player below: