Breaking: Cape Town Smash & Grab Robbery Group Taken out by Police
The City of Cape Town’s Traffic Services Highway Deployment Ghost Units arrested several suspects in two separate incidents on the N2 highway this week, once again highlighting the important role traffic officers play in supporting crime prevention and ensuring the safety of road users.
On 10 March 2026, officers from Technical Services, Ghost Unit responded to a smash-and-grab incident at the N2 and Jakes Gerwel Drive intersection during morning peak time.
During the incident, a vehicle’s side window was damaged, no items were taken as Ghost acted swiftly and managed to apprehend a suspect shortly after the incident. The suspect was handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS), and a case was registered at Athlone Police Station for further investigation.
In a separate incident on 11 March 2026 at approximately 15:10, a Ghost Unit Traffic Officer, who was on patrol in an unmarked vehicle on the N2 inbound near Jakes Gerwel Drive, stopped a vehicle for failing to display a front number plate. While interacting with the driver, the officer noticed an elderly woman running after two male suspects, clearly indicating that they had committed an offence against her.
The officer observed that one of the suspects was carrying a woman’s handbag and immediately activated his blue lights and siren to intervene. Both suspects attempted to flee on foot. With the assistance of SAPS members who joined the chase, the suspects were pursued and successfully apprehended a short distance away.
The suspects were brought back to the victim, who confirmed that they had robbed her of her handbag containing her SASSA money and three cellphones. Both suspects were arrested at approximately 15:15 and handed over to Athlone SAPS, where a case was opened for further investigation. After the arrest, the traffic officer noticed that its the 2nd time he arrested the same suspect for the same offence. The Justice system is failing officers dedicated to fight crime.
The City of Cape Town commends the officers for their alertness, swift response which led to the successful arrests and recovery of the victim’s property.
The City reminds motorists and residents that traffic officers remain vigilant across the road network, not only enforcing traffic legislation but also assisting in combating crime and protecting vulnerable road users.
Always stay alert! Keep your valueables locked away and do not use your cellphone whilst driving. You become a target!
