Surge in Violent Highway Attacks on Cape Town’s N2 Prompts Urgent Warnings for Airport Travelers

Travelers warned of violent N2 highway attacks near Cape Town Airport. Motorists face rock-throwing and armed robberies as local authorities call for patrols.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 7:03 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from CapeTalk

Escalating Violence on a Critical Transit Route

The N2 highway, a primary artery connecting Cape Town International Airport to the city center, has become the site of increasingly violent criminal activity targeting unsuspecting motorists. Recent reports indicate a sharp rise in incidents involving rock-throwing and armed intimidation, particularly concentrated around the airport approach and the Macassar Bridge. According to Councillor Emre Uygun, attackers are strategically placing or throwing objects onto the roadway to disable vehicles, creating an immediate window for robberies or hijackings. The surge in these localized attacks has transformed a routine commute into a high risk journey for many travelers and residents.

Emergency Services Targeted by Heavy Debris

In a particularly alarming development, an ambulance was recently struck by a concrete block weighing approximately 15 to 20 kilograms. The incident occurred shortly after midnight near the Macassar Bridge, with the debris smashing into the top center of the vehicle's windscreen. Councillor Uygun noted that the specific point of impact likely saved the crew from serious injury or death. Despite the presence of monitoring systems, authorities are frequently forced to manually remove rocks and other heavy obstructions deliberately placed on the tarmac to cause maximum damage to passing traffic.

Armed Intimidation and Motorist Encounters

Beyond the use of projectiles, criminals are reportedly using firearms and physical threats to terrorize drivers. One motorist recounted a harrowing experience near the airport approach where an individual stood by the roadside gesturing to hurl rocks at his vehicle while he was traveling with his wife. While that specific driver managed to escape by accelerating away, others have not been as fortunate. The psychological toll of these encounters is growing, as perpetrators often stand openly on the highway verges, brandishing weapons or rocks to force drivers into high speed evasive maneuvers.