A petition spearheaded by a group of concerned citizens has highlighted the pressing safety concerns plaguing the N12 highway, which has become notorious for violent crimes against motorists.
The growing climate of fear has galvanized commuters to call for immediate government action, pressing relevant authorities—including the Minister of Transport and the Premier of Gauteng Province—to address the alarming rise in incidents on this crucial transport route.
Among the most vocal proponents of this initiative is Shireen Ebrahim, who articulated the distressing sentiments shared by many drivers. “We, the commuters, live in fear of being attacked or injured while driving on the N12 highway,” she lamented.
“We urge the government to provide sufficient funding and resources to support increased policing and surveillance, improved road infrastructure and maintenance, and community-based initiatives to address the root causes of crime.”
Ebrahim’s call to action encapsulates the dire need for heightened safety measures as well as proactive solutions to combat the underlying factors fuelling these criminal acts.
The N12 highway has witnessed an array of violent offences, including rock throwing and other assaults designed to target unsuspecting motorists. Recent data compiled by the interest group AfriForum shed light on identified hotspots where such incidents are alarmingly frequent.
According to AfriForum spokesperson Jacques Broodryk, these attacks often unfold at various times throughout the week, with a notable escalation during the evening and late-night hours.
“The criminals who commit these acts are doing it every day of the week from Monday to Sunday,” he noted, stressing that the perpetrators typically operate in groups armed with anything ranging from sharp objects to firearms.
The context of the petition follows on the heels of AfriForum’s own initiatives to combat the rising tide of violence on South African roads. The organisation has been monitoring incidents of rock throwing in and around Pretoria and has initiated several neighbourhood watch interventions to assist victims.
Recent reports have indicated a troubling pattern, especially on major routes such as the N1, N12, N14, N4, R566, and R80, further evidencing the gravity of the situation.
In a show of solidarity, the petition outlines several key demands from the government:
Increase visible policing: Enhance the visibility of law enforcement along the N12 highway.
Prevent rock throwing: Implement effective strategies to curb rock throwing and other forms of violence.
Improve road infrastructure: Ensure adequate lighting and maintenance for a safer travel environment.
Community collaboration: Engage with local communities and stakeholders to address the root causes of crime.
As the tragic narrative of lives lost continues to unfold, the citizens’ motivating cry, “Enough is enough. We will not stand idly by while innocent lives are lost,” resonates loudly. This initiative underscores not only the pressing need for government intervention but also the collective will of the community to reclaim safety on the N12 highway.
Last month, police arrested five men who are linked to various vehicle spiking incidents on the N1, near Bela Bela.
The suspects were charged with various counts of armed robbery, while three of them are facing a murder charge as well.
IOL reported that during June and July, the men allegedly spiked car tyres on the N1 near Bela Bela before robbing the motorists.
In one incident, they also shot dead a motorist while robbing him.