Cape Town travellers face major safety warning

Authorities are urging travellers using Cape Town International Airport to remain vigilant as violent criminal attacks against motorists surge near the airport and on surrounding routes.

Criminals have ambushed both locals and international tourists at intersections and traffic lights, with several incidents escalating into violence.

Officials have pinpointed hotspot areas just outside the airport precinct, especially along the N2 highway and Baden Powell Drive, where many victims have reported robberies and assaults.

Spike in Attacks Raises Alarm

Freedom Front Plus MP Liezl van der Merwe recently raised the issue in Parliament, criticising the lack of visible policing in the area. Her concerns echo those of many Cape Town residents and visitors who believe the situation is deteriorating.

In response, Police Minister Firoz Cachalia explained that while border police are deployed inside the airport, responsibility for crimes beyond its boundary lies with the Nyanga policing district — one of the country’s most crime-ridden areas. To address the escalating threat, Cachalia said Nyanga SAPS and the City of Cape Town have been instructed to step up static patrols in known hotspots.

Despite these measures, the statistics remain alarming: between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, authorities recorded 42 incidents in the vicinity of the airport alone.

High-Profile Incidents

Recent cases have drawn widespread public attention:

• A woman was seriously injured when a concrete block was thrown at her vehicle on the N2
• An American tourist was shot and robbed while travelling from the airport to Simon’s Town
• An elderly German couple was ambushed by armed robbers on Baden Powell Drive

Local councillor and FF Plus representative Emre Uygun condemned the violence, warning that it threatens both lives and tourism, a key part of the Cape Town economy.

“This isn’t just a local issue – it’s damaging our city’s global reputation,” said Uygun.

Part of a Broader Crime Trend

The spike in crime around the airport reflects a nationwide surge in vehicle-related offences. SAPS crime statistics show that in Q1 2025, authorities recorded 19 032 cases of “theft out of or from motor vehicle” nationwide, averaging more than 210 incidents a day. Gauteng led with 5 307 cases, followed closely by the Western Cape with 4 978.

Security experts are urging motorists to exercise extra caution. Vehicle security company Tracker has warned drivers and introduced the acronym SMASH as a safety guide.

• Stay alert, especially at intersections
• Make use of protective window film
• Avoid leaving valuables visible
• Safe driving to avoid being cornered
• Help by reporting any suspicious activity

Authorities maintain that patrols are being stepped up, but urged travellers to remain cautious, especially when using routes to and from Cape Town International Airport.

“Be alert, plan your routes in advance, and avoid travelling alone at night where possible,” advised local law enforcement.