A new reason to be careful on the N2
According to IOL, the City of Cape Town has warned motorists traveling on the N2 to be aware of a new robbery ploy in which concrete blocks are placed in the road to force cars to stop before motorists are robbed of their belongings.
We are pretty sure this has been happening for some time already, remember the story we did a while back on the N2 and then of course the dangerous R300? Either way, we need to be aware on these roads.
IOL quoted Mayoral Committee member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, “Just before midnight on Sunday, two City traffic officers attached to the Ghost Squad were driving along the N2 in the direction of Somerset West when they noticed a Toyota Tazz near the R300 off-ramp with its hazard lights on.
The officers also spotted three men running towards the vehicle and, as they stopped to investigate, they heard screams coming from the vehicle. The officers chased after the suspects and made a radio call for assistance from the South African Police Service, but the suspects disappeared between nearby structures.
The officers then returned to assist the female motorist who reported that she had been assaulted and robbed of her handbag and cellphone. The motorist declined medical assistance and the officers changed her flat tyre so that she could proceed home.”
Smith added that the officers found three other vehicles on a nearby painted island, all with flat tyres and thankfully provided assistance to the drivers. “They also removed concrete blocks from the roadway. thought to have been placed there by the three suspects,” says Smith.
“I want to commend our officers for rendering assistance while on their way home. It is clear that the criminals responsible took advantage of the misty weather conditions we’ve been experiencing in recent days. Most drivers would struggle to see an obstacle placed in the road at night, but with the cover of mist it becomes even more difficult. I appeal to motorists to please be extra careful when driving at night. We have had numerous engagements with the Western Cape Government, the South African Police Service and the South African National Roads Agency Limited about safety on the N2 as it is evident that criminals will continue targeting motorists for as long as they think they can get away with it.
From our side, we have tried to divert more resources to help patrol the road, but we have limited staff numbers and, of late, much of our time has been spent on the sustained land invasions as well as assisting with quelling gang violence,” he said.
Here is how you can be safe on the N2 and also, make sure you have these emergency numbers on speed dial.
Source: IOL
Image Source: Mervyn Hector – Flickr