Concerns over roadside crime in Cape Town have intensified following the fatal stabbing of a 64-year-old woman during a smash-and-grab attack near Jakes Gerwel Drive, an area anti-crime groups have long labelled a hotspot. The victim was targeted in what community organisations say is part of a growing trend of violent roadside attacks.
Community safety forums believe the incident reflects long-standing warnings about increasing crime near construction zones, congested roads, and a lack of visible policing, conditions that leave motorists vulnerable and criminals emboldened.
Imraahn Mukaddam, of the Cape Crime Crisis Coalition and the Elsies River Safety Initiative, told VOC News the fatal attack highlights a broader safety crisis faced by Cape Town residents.
“The tragic death of Karen van Aert over the weekend in the smash-and-grab incident in Ponteville highlights the severity of the violence epidemic that communities have been forced to endure for years,” said Mukaddam.
“Residents remain under siege, with no safe spaces left, as criminals operate with impunity, enabled by inadequate visible policing, poor urban planning, and a culture of reactive rather than proactive safety responses.”
Mukaddam said provincial and municipal authorities must urgently develop a more comprehensive strategy to secure Cape Town’s main transport corridors, one that includes properly funded community-based patrols.
“Without this, efforts will continue to fall short.”
He added that crime around roads and construction sites is worsening due to the rapid rollout of infrastructure projects without proper safety planning.
“Road and infrastructure projects are being undertaken without sufficient safety planning or consideration of the risks posed to drivers and commuters. We want formal risk assessments before work begins, and for the environment to be secured either by the contractor or the City, with community patrols integrated to protect these corridors.”
Surveillance Technology and Digital Tools Part of the Solution
Mukaddam said that while visible policing plays a crucial role, it is not a round-the-clock solution, particularly when modern surveillance tools exist that could help track and deter criminals.
“We have advanced surveillance technology in 2025, and there is no reason criminals should be able to operate freely,” he said.
“Camera networks, AI facial recognition, and drone surveillance provide the resources needed to properly monitor these hotspots.”
“Another solution is for Google Maps and navigation apps to recognise and mark these hotspots,” said Mukaddam.
“Technology gives us a real opportunity to intervene, provide essential warnings, and ultimately save lives.”
VOC News
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