A viral video has surfaced on social media showing a motorist driving along Jakes Gerwel Drive with an alleged smash-and-grabber clinging on to their car. The incident has raised concerns about the increasing number of smash-and-grab incidents in Cape Town, particularly in areas such as Epping, Langa, and Bonteheuwel.
The video, which starts from the Epping area, continues with the car driving towards Langa and Bonteheuwel. According to Bonteheuwel ward councillor Angus McKenzie, the incident is among several recent smash-and-grab incidents that have taken place in the area. McKenzie noted that smash-and-grabbers often move away from areas with visible policing, but that they are aware that smash-and-grabs are concentrated near Samora Machel, Langa, and all the way up to Dunoon.
Smash-and-Grab Hotspots in Cape Town
McKenzie identified Jakes Gerwel Drive as a hotspot for smash-and-grab incidents, with perpetrators often using the road to target motorists. He also noted that the majority of smash-and-grab incidents take place in areas with low visible policing. The South African Police Services (SAPS) have urged motorists to report any incidents of smash-and-grab to the authorities.
Consequences of Not Reporting Smash-and-Grab Incidents
McKenzie emphasized that the failure to report smash-and-grab incidents can have serious consequences, including the inability of law enforcement agencies to effectively combat the crime. He noted that enforcement agencies respond to priority crimes quicker, and that if an incident is not reported, it is not deemed to be a priority.
Some of the key areas affected by smash-and-grab incidents in Cape Town include:
- Epping
- Langa
- Bonteheuwel
- Samora Machel
- Dunoon
Meanwhile, police are still searching for a suspect who was caught on drone footage attacking numerous motorists near Dunoon. The suspect is believed to have been involved in several incidents of smash-and-grab in the area.
