N7 crime warning to drivers

Cape Town - Motorists are warned to avoid using the N7 routes towards Potsdam Road, Malibongwe Drive and Sandown Road in Table View in the evenings as criminal activities have been on increase, especially during load shedding.

Table View resident Phillipe Roche said it's been a while since they noticed increased violent activities where vehicles get stoned on the N7 near the newly built interchange and nearby roads. Drivers are allegedly attacked and robbed.

Although not limited to, incidents are said to be prevalent in the evenings, especially when the lights are completely off. "Bad elements pounce on them and either hijack vehicles or steal from the motorist. At times it has even simply been pure vandalism.

"I simply refuse to go past Dunoon roads. I have forbidden my wife to drive there as well. It is scary as hell," he said.

Martin Els, another resident, said: "It's no secret the area has become more dangerous, and the darkness apparently is in the favour of these culprits. People's cars have been damaged and the law enforcement and the City of Cape Town are not doing anything to improve safety. Clearly they're waiting for a bloodpool to realise things are getting out of hand.

“For my own sake, I've stopped using that route. I drive longer distances to get to my destinations which are usually in (areas like) Killarney Gardens. What could be a five- minute drive from my place, usually doubles because I choose safety. We need law enforcement visibility and increased security precautions. We can't be held hostage in our own community."

Meanwhile, Michelle van Niekerk drove from Pioneer Valley, back to Milnerton via Sandown and the N7 route. "The area we were visiting was in darkness, definitely load shedding. The road was dangerous, barely lit, which is not safe at all.

“It could have caused an accident. We drove on slowly, discovering that the long road was dimly lit and (there were) barely any cars.

"Thankfully, we got home safely, but it could have turned ugly in seconds," she commented.

Eskom spokesperson, Sikhonathi Mantshantsha, said they were aware of the complaints around safety issues during load shedding, but it was out of their control.

"Only security personnel, or the municipality, can advise in this regard. As for us, we implement load shedding as a last resort."

David Harris, the chairperson of the Table View Community Policing Forum, said: "The Table View CPF have also requested the City to erect hot spot awareness signs in these areas as we feel the signs would go a long way in making motorists more alert to the possible dangers. We have not received any response from the City despite regular follow-ups."

It’s mostly smash-and-grabs and muggings that occur. When motorists break down, they are robbed because they have to stop. Criminals are opportunists; they strike when the opportunity presents itself.

Laura Outhet, spokesperson for the Table View Neighbourhood Watch added: “The Table View Neighbourhood Watch often warn motorists to not travel these routes. We would like to send our heartfelt thanks to our SAPS, law enforcement and armed response companies who make a concerted effort to respond to these incidents and keep our community safe."

Ruth Solomons, spokesperson for Metro Police Department, acknowledged that the department was aware of the situation on the N7 in the vicinity of Dunoon as a number of robberies had been reported between Plattekloof and Malibongwe roads.

She said Metro Police officers were deployed to patrol that stretch of road which forms part of their daily general patrol area.

"If possible, motorists are advised to take alternate routes to their destinations during those times as a safety precaution," said Solomons.

She said an operational planning meeting with law enforcement agencies to draft an operational plan to address the issue was scheduled.

Weekend Argus