Reaction to latest smash-and-grab near Cape Town Airport: ‘Build the wall’

Calls for stronger security and urgent action against crime have flooded social media following the latest smash-and-grab incident near Cape Town International Airport.

Some have questioned whether motorists and tourists are safe on roads around the airport, while others have called for additional policing, surveillance cameras, security patrols and a physical barrier along vulnerable sections of the route.

The discussion has also highlighted concerns that the problem affects local residents as much as visitors to the Mother City.

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‘Build the wall’

One of the most repeated suggestions was to build a wall or fence along sections of the airport approach route.

“Build the wall!” was a common refrain, with several commenters arguing that a physical barrier could help prevent criminals from targeting motorists.

Others proposed combining barriers with security patrols and surveillance technology.

Ryan Huang suggested installing solar-powered cameras along the road and establishing a private security response station nearby.

Another commenter called for drones to monitor suspicious activity, while others suggested cutting back bushes along the median to reduce potential hiding places.

However, not everyone agreed that a wall would solve the problem. One commenter argued that effective police work and arrests were more important, while another warned that a barrier should not replace regular police patrols.

‘Why only tourists?’

Several commenters challenged the focus on tourist safety, arguing that South Africans who use the roads daily are also exposed to crime.

“Why only tourists? I am one of those. But we pass that area max 3-4 times per year. Locals every day twice,” one commenter wrote.

Another asked whether South African citizens were being overlooked in discussions about security around the airport.

The comments reflect concern that crime prevention should protect everyone using the roads, rather than concentrating solely on the potential impact on tourism.

Some users shared accounts of alleged incidents they had witnessed or experienced, including smash-and-grab attacks after dropping passengers at the airport.

One commenter said clearer road signs would help unfamiliar drivers navigate the area, while another called for prominent signs displaying emergency contact numbers.

Others urged motorists to remain alert, keep vehicle doors locked and avoid displaying valuables such as phones, jewellery and watches.

Some commenters also recommended planning routes in advance and arranging transport with established providers, particularly for visitors unfamiliar with Cape Town.

These suggestions were shared by social media users and should not be taken as a guarantee of safety.

Concerns about Cape Town’s tourism reputation

The discussion also turned to the potential impact of crime on tourism, with some visitors describing positive experiences in Cape Town and others saying they had felt uncomfortable travelling around the city.

Several commenters said they had visited the city multiple times without incident. Others described feeling unsafe on roads around the airport and questioned whether more visible law enforcement was needed.

One commenter warned that continued incidents could affect tourism, while another argued that crime should be addressed through practical action rather than simply advising people to be cautious.

The range of responses shows that experiences differ, but concerns about safety around the airport remain a prominent issue in the discussion.

Calls for action

Among the suggestions raised were improved lighting and signage, camera surveillance, vegetation maintenance, security patrols and better access to emergency assistance.

For many commenters, however, the central demand was clear: motorists should be able to travel to and from Cape Town International Airport without fearing that they could become the next victims of a smash-and-grab attack.

Anyone who witnesses a crime or needs urgent police assistance can contact the South African Police Service on 10111. In a medical emergency, the national emergency number from a mobile phone is 112.

How safe do you feel travelling to and from Cape Town International Airport?