The death of a 16-year-old robber on the N2 serves as tragic proof that the so-called “Hell Run” still poses a serious danger to motorists as well as young people exploited by crime syndicates.
Although there has been a decrease in incidents after the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) repeatedly demanded stronger security measures, the daily threat remains a reality.
Commuters who have no alternative route are particularly vulnerable as they are often stuck in traffic, leaving them with little chance of escape when they are targeted.
The Freedom Front Plus requests a much stronger and more visible police and traffic control presence during peak hours and especially in areas where motorists are soft targets.
Crime syndicates deliberately recruit minors, because they know the criminal justice system tends to deal less severely with children.
Community safety structures in the surrounding informal settlements should, therefore, be empowered to serve as eyes and ears on the ground, and to help prevent young people from being caught up in the criminal network.
SANRAL, the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape government should expedite the planned construction of the N2 wall and other measures to restrict criminal escape routes. The fact that the different spheres of government are passing the responsibility around does not help.
Yesterday’s tragic incident should serve as a wake-up call to act without delay, before more motorists or young people pay with their lives on this route.
