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Police Minister Warns N2 Wall Is No Substitute for Policing as Cape Town Finalizes Plans

Key transport authorities say they have not been formally consulted on the City’s funded barrier project.

Overview

  • In a parliamentary reply, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said the proposed N2 barrier may aid situational prevention but cannot replace sustained visible policing or investigative work.
  • Sanral and the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure say they were not formally engaged on the proposed wall, raising questions about jurisdiction and approvals along different sections of the route.
  • The City has earmarked about R114–R115 million to build an 8–9km, three‑metre‑high barrier along high‑risk stretches near Cape Town International Airport to curb smash‑and‑grabs, stone‑throwing and roadside robberies.
  • Officials say stakeholder engagements are under way, with details on contractor appointment and timelines to be announced once agreements are concluded.
  • The City plans complementary measures including over 40 new Metro police officers, CCTV, automatic number plate recognition and digital coordination, as Metro Police logged roughly 2,215 N2/R300 incidents in a year, many linked to vehicle breakdowns.