Jim Mohlala|Published
A reported smash-and-grab near Cape Town’s Borcherds Quarry turnoff has intensified pressure on the City to proceed with its proposed N2 safety wall after dashcam footage showed two men crossing the highway barrier, smashing a car window and stealing belongings.
The incident, recorded on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, has divided mayoral candidates over whether the R114-million project is the best way to protect motorists.
Dashcam footage shows one man breaking the driver-side window of a blue Renault Sandero and reaching inside before the dashcam vehicle accelerated towards the attackers, who fled.
One of the men smashed the driver’s side window with a projectile, reached inside and, after a brief struggle, grabbed belongings from the car.
The driver of the vehicle fitted with the dashcam then accelerated towards the men, causing them to flee.
IOL Media contacted Western Cape SAPS for confirmation of whether a case had been opened, but had not received a response at the time of publishing.
Mayoral candidates debate proposed N2 wall
The incident occurred on the same day mayoral candidates for the upcoming local government elections discussed the City of Cape Town’s R114-million N2 Edge Safety Project during the National Media Group mayoral debate at The Capetonian Hotel.
Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) councillor Emre Uygun, a supporter of the proposal, said the party was “shocked and angered” by the attack along the notorious stretch of the N2 known as the “Hell Run”.
“These attacks are a recurring problem,” he said.
“They are often well coordinated and deliberately timed to exploit motorists trapped in peak-hour traffic.”
He added: “The latest incident is another reminder that the N2 remains a dangerous stretch of road where motorists continue to be robbed, injured and left severely traumatised.”
Uygun said there was photographic and documented evidence of smash-and-grab perpetrators fleeing into informal settlements after attacking motorists.
“We have photographic and documented evidence of how smash-and-grab perpetrators routinely flee into the informal settlements after attacking motorists.”
He said the City’s resources, together with Nyanga SAPS and drone operations, had been deployed to address the problem, with arrests made through these operations.
“A properly constructed wall would close that escape route,” he said.
“The wall is the most immediate and practical step available right now to protect motorists.”
DA backs wall to improve safety
DA deputy mayor Eddie Andrews defended the proposed wall, saying it would improve pedestrian safety, enhance lighting and protect residents accessing the industrial area, as well as motorists, particularly from smash-and-grab incidents.
He also raised concerns about road accidents involving vehicles and children playing nearby.
Build One South Africa calls for other solutions
Speaking to IOL Media, Build One South Africa Cape Town mayoral candidate Roger Solomons said the incident pointed to a bigger problem.
“Every smash-and-grab is a failure of public safety. Motorists have a right to travel without fear,” he said.
Solomons said the City should consider other solutions.
“The City must focus on measures that prevent crime and apprehend offenders, rather than relying on infrastructure alone.”
Asked whether the wall was a valid solution, Solomons said: “No single intervention can solve crime.”
He added: “The Acting Police Minister has confirmed that infrastructure cannot replace core policing functions.”
Solomons rejected suggestions that opposing the wall would leave motorists exposed to crime.
“Motorists are already exposed to crime. Opposing the wall does not mean opposing action. It means demanding action that works.”