Enhancing Safety: Cape Town Deploys 40 New Metro Officers on the N2 and at the Airport

Cape Town – To enhance safety along the N2 and at Cape Town International Airport, as well as in the Borcherd’s Quarry area, the City of Cape Town has deployed 40 additional metro police officers to these high-crime areas.

As stated by the City of Cape Town, these new officers will strengthen current safety programs along the N2 and are part of a broader initiative involving 700 City police officers who have commenced their deployment across the city, which includes dedicated neighborhood policing in each ward—an extraordinary approach.

Earlier today, Thursday, 2 October 2025, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, alongside Alderman JP Smith, the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, met with the new officers on the N2.

The increased safety presence along the N2 is a component of a more comprehensive Integrated Freeway Safety Plan, which targets key freeways including the R300, N1, N7, M3, and M5, as well as various secondary arterial roads.

“Deploying these 40 Metro Police Officers aims to enhance our current law enforcement presence and elevate safety initiatives along the N2, as well as in the surrounding Airport and Borcherd’s Quarry regions,” noted Mayor Hill-Lewis.

“The City’s Integrated Freeway Safety Plan is not solely about increasing officer deployment on critical routes; it incorporates advanced camera technology, such as automated license plate recognition, to oversee these areas.”

“Moreover, officers are equipped with dashcam technology capable of detecting stolen vehicles and other infractions.”

“Our considerable investments in policing resources convey a strong message to our partners in SAPS [South African Police Service] and the national government: we are committed to enhancing safety in Cape Town, especially on this vital N2 route for both commuters and visitors,” he added.

Safety operations along the N2 will be conducted around the clock, acknowledging that incidents often occur during the quieter early hours when traffic is lighter.

Such incidents tend to be opportunistic, with criminals targeting motorists who stop on the roadside for passenger pickups or drop-offs, phone calls, or to address mechanical problems.

In the past year, 85% of the 2,215 incidents reported by Metro Police on the N2 and R300 were connected to vehicle mechanical failures, fuel shortages, or flat tires.

During this period, officers encountered eight cases where they assisted motorists who had experienced robbery.

These operational statistics from the City do not account for incidents managed by SAPS.

“The most recent annual data on our highway interventions highlights the pressing need for a dedicated enforcement presence,” commented Alderman JP Smith.

“For over a decade, we have steadily improved our efforts—initiating with dedicated Metro Police patrols, then forming and deploying a specialized Highway Patrol Unit within our Traffic Service, and now with this latest addition.”

“This reinforces the City’s commitment to public safety, and I urge road users to work with us in reducing risks to their safety by taking necessary precautions while traveling on these routes.”

The City’s reinforced enforcement presence will work in conjunction with various stakeholders, including SAPS, provincial traffic authorities, public transport service operators, and Eskom.

The new N2 deployment has received affirmative responses from the Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais.

“These increased deployments and patrols will greatly aid in restoring a sense of safety on this crucial pathway to our province and City,” Minister Marais expressed.

“Provincial traffic authorities will work closely with City officers and SAPS to mitigate criminal incidents affecting both residents and visitors to our region.”

New Metro police recruits assigned to the N2 (and each ward in the city) have completed an 18-month learnership program that encompasses:

• Traffic Officer course (12 months)
• Metro Police officer training, including firearm competency (three months).
• Specialized training, featuring Neighbourhood Safety Officer training and evidence-based policing, along with additional Tactical and EPIC training.
• This cohort of cadets has also gone through Civic Academy training.

Safety Advice for Motorists

• Avoid traveling late at night whenever possible, as criminals take advantage of darkness and less busy roads.
• Ensure your vehicle is always in good mechanical condition.
• Carry essential tools and a spare tire in case of a flat.
• Allow extra time to check your tires and fuel at a garage before hitting the highway or major route.
• Keep your cellphone charged or have a car charger handy, along with airtime to call for help.
• Notify someone close to you of your exact route and departure time.
• Share your live location with someone you trust.
• Save the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) number on your phone – 021 480 7700, for emergencies.
• Report anything suspicious along your route, including vehicles that appear stranded or abandoned.
• Avoid stopping on highways to drop off passengers or make calls.