How safe are South African motorists?
Reporter – George April
Cape Town – A harrowing incident on the R300 highway has once again highlighted the alarming crime rates plaguing South African roads. 
On Wednesday, Winnie C Bonthuys had a near-death experience when she was attacked by three young criminals at the last turnoff to Mitchell’s Plain at 12 midday.
According to Bonthuys, she was forced to brake suddenly due to traffic congestion when three young males, estimated to be around 15 years old, approached her vehicle. In a matter of seconds, her car window was smashed with bricks, and one of the attackers attempted to steal her car keys. Fortunately, her quick thinking and the malfunction of her car’s door lock prevented the perpetrators from taking her vehicle.
Despite the incident occurring in broad daylight, not a single bystander or truck driver came to her aid. Bonthuys credits her survival to her faith in God, stating, “If not for Him, I’d be a goner today.”
Rising crime and the lack of visible policing
Bonthuys’ story is not an isolated case. The R300 highway has long been identified as a crime hotspot, with countless reports of smash-and-grabs, hijackings, and violent assaults. Yet, despite repeated concerns from the public, there is little evidence of any effective intervention by law enforcement.
Moegamat Shafiek Moses warns that criminals specifically target single women and the elderly. He advises motorists to hide their belongings from view and leave ample space in front of their car when stopping at a red light for a quick getaway if necessary.
Ashleigh Fortuine raises concerns over the removal of the satellite police container that once provided security in the area. She points out that criminals are now attacking motorists at all hours of the day, making it dangerous for residents to move around freely. “I don’t even go out late anymore, and by late, I mean anytime after 7, because you never know when these fools are going to strike,” she says.
This raises critical questions
- Why is the R300 not better policed, given its known status as a high-crime area?
- What measures are being taken by the government and law enforcement agencies to curb these violent incidents?
- How can South African motorists be better protected from these sudden and life-threatening attacks?
- Are there any plans to increase police presence and patrols in these crime-ridden areas?
- What role can the community play in protecting each other from such incidents?
Call for action
Motorists are urged to be extra vigilant, especially when driving through crime hotspots. Safety experts recommend
- Keeping car doors locked and windows up, especially in traffic.
- Avoiding unnecessary stops in isolated or high-risk areas.
- Carrying self-defense tools such as pepper spray or a panic button.
- Reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.
However, these personal safety measures are not enough. Citizens deserve safer roads and a law enforcement system that actively prevents crime rather than merely responding to it after the fact.
The government and police authorities must take urgent action. Visible policing, stricter patrols, and increased surveillance are necessary to ensure that no more innocent lives are placed at risk.
Until then, South African motorists remain vulnerable targets on the country’s dangerous roads.
If you have experienced or witnessed similar incidents on South African highways, share your story with us – Your voice matters.
