Cape Town traffic officers bust N2 smash-and-grab, robbery suspects

Cape Town – Traffic officers attached to the City of Cape Town’s Highway Deployment Ghost Units have arrested several suspects in two separate incidents along the N2 freeway, underscoring their growing role in crime prevention beyond routine traffic enforcement.

According to a statement by Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, the arrests followed incidents on 10 and 11 March 2026 near the busy N2 and Jakes Gerwel Drive corridor.

“The City of Cape Town’s Traffic Services Highway Deployment Ghost Units arrested several suspects in two separate incidents on the N2 highway this week, once again highlighting the important role traffic officers play in supporting crime prevention and ensuring the safety of road users,” Smith said.

In the first incident on 10 March, officers responded to a smash-and-grab during morning peak traffic at the N2 and Jakes Gerwel Drive intersection. A vehicle’s side window was damaged, but no items were stolen.

“Ghost acted swiftly and managed to apprehend a suspect shortly after the incident,” the statement said, adding that the suspect was handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS), with a case registered at Athlone Police Station.

In a separate incident on 11 March at about 15:10, a Ghost Unit officer on patrol in an unmarked vehicle stopped a motorist for failing to display a front number plate. During the stop, the officer noticed an elderly woman chasing two men.

“The officer observed that one of the suspects was carrying a woman’s handbag and immediately activated his blue lights and siren to intervene,” Smith said.

The suspects fled on foot but were pursued with the assistance of SAPS members and arrested shortly afterwards. The victim confirmed that she had been robbed of her handbag, which contained her SASSA grant money and three cellphones.

“Both suspects were arrested at approximately 15:15 and handed over to Athlone SAPS, where a case was opened for further investigation,” the statement said.

Visible valuables

The City noted that one of the suspects had previously been arrested for a similar offence, raising concerns about repeat offenders.

Smith added: “The City of Cape Town commends the officers for their alertness, swift response which led to the successful arrests and recovery of the victim’s property.”

Authorities have urged motorists to remain vigilant, warning that visible valuables and cellphone use while driving can make them targets for opportunistic crime.

“Traffic officers remain vigilant across the road network, not only enforcing traffic legislation but also assisting in combating crime and protecting vulnerable road users,” Smith said.