Freedom Front tackles violence on Cape Town highways

On the 1st of January 2026 an elderly deaf couple, whose vehicle had broken down just before the M5 off-ramp, were robbed and assaulted with pangas. Their hearing aids were damaged in the attack, compounding the trauma. A towing company and a passing motorist who intervened later confirmed details of the incident.

The Freedom Front Plus (VF PLUS) says the case reflects a broader pattern it has been warning about for months. The party has repeatedly raised concerns about regular attacks on motorists, particularly on the N1, N2 and R300. Of specific concern is the N2, often described by commuters as a “hell run”, where people travelling to and from work face frequent criminal incidents.

These concerns are sharpened by recent budget disclosures. SANRAL has been allocated more than R100 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, partly to maintain and secure national roads. Yet, according to VF PLUS, there has been little public information on what measures are being implemented to prevent highway crime or how funds are being used to address this risk.

Confidence in law enforcement has also been questioned. VF PLUS criticised Nyanga SAPS for closing a case shortly after a mother from Mitchells Plain reported that she and her 11-year-old son had been attacked and robbed on the N2 near Borcherds Quarry.

The party is calling on national, provincial and local government, as well as SANRAL, to deploy visible and effective security on key routes as a matter of urgency. It is also asking for a detailed briefing on current strategies, clearer reporting on spending, and a shift from reactive responses to preventative action. Without this, it warns, public confidence in the safety of South Africa’s highways will continue to erode.

From what I understand, Freedom Front councillor Emre Uygun is considering organising a conference on this issue to develop a serious, practical plan to tackle violence on the N1 and N2 highways.