N2 attack – Stronger enforcement of the law is needed

Statement by Dan Plato, Western Cape Minister of Community Safety

I strongly condemn the murder on the N2 of a South African Police Service (SAPS) officer this morning.

I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the slain officer on their loss. The death is one that should never have been allowed to occur.

Safety on the N2 remains a major concern and the recent spate of incidents show the brazen lengths criminals will go to and the total disregard for life, regardless of who the victim is.

I call on the people living in communities next to the N2 highway to speak up against the criminals in their midst, to assist the police in their investigation and to ensure that those responsible for these heinous crimes are identified and arrested.

Those responsible for this heinous crime are not only guilty of murder but also guilty of trespassing on the road reserve, owned by Sanral, and in contravention  of the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996, Regulation 323 (2) No person shall (a) be on a freeway on foot.

I call on all authorities for a stronger enforcement of existing legislation and protocol, including:

• Sanral to erect and maintain sufficient access restriction fencing along the N2 to prevent access to the road reserve and the highway;
• The SAPS to arrest any pedestrian on the N2 on sight and for them to be charged with contravening the National Road Traffic Act; and
• The SAPS, Provincial Traffic and City Law Enforcement authorities to uphold the standing orders from last year which compels any official to assist any vehicle that is pulled over on the N2.

As part of my oversight mandate over policing in the Province, I will today write to the National Minister of Transport and the CEO of Sanral to explore how all agencies trying to enforce safety on the roads can work together to increase safety on the N2.

The criminals responsible for any crime along the N2 need to know that Government, in its entirety, will flex all its muscle to ensure the safety of its law abiding people.

If you commit a crime, you will be caught and you will have to face the long arm of the law.