On Saturday night, July 26, 2025, tragedy struck when a 41-year-old woman was fatally shot on the R300 highway near the Jakes Gerwel Drive off-ramp in Cape Town. Reports confirm that the woman shot dead on R300 had been traveling alone at the time of the incident.
She stopped to change a tyre around 8:22 PM, and moments later, an attacker shot her in the neck. Paramedics arrived but could not save her. Consequently, this incident has left motorists rattled, as many now fear for their safety on this busy route connecting Mitchells Plain and Bellville.
Police Hunt for Suspects
The South African Police Service (SAPS) quickly launched a murder investigation into the case of the woman shot dead on the R300.
Sergeant Wesley Twigg explained, “Officers found a 41-year-old woman dead inside her vehicle with a gunshot wound.”
Since nothing was stolen, the motive remains a mystery. For now, no arrests have occurred, but police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app anonymously. Indeed, every tip counts in solving this case.
Highway Crime Sparks Alarm
Crime on the R300 and N2 highways is rampant, with over 200 incidents, like robberies and assaults, reported in 2023. Broken CCTV cameras and sparse police patrols worsen the situation. Among these crimes, the tragic event where a woman was shot dead stands out as particularly alarming.
As a result, Freedom Front Plus Councillor Emre Uygun demanded urgent action, stating, “Our highways must not become killing fields.”
He now pushes for an emergency meeting to tackle this crisis, emphasizing the need for better security.
Community Steps Up
SAPS calls on the public to share leads anonymously via Crime Stop or the MySAPS app. Meanwhile, community members rally for safer roads, urging authorities to fix cameras and increase patrols. Thus, collective action is vital to prevent further tragedies similar to the woman shot on the R300.
Urgent Need for Change
The woman shot dead on the R300 underscores Cape Town’s ongoing struggle with violent crime. In response, residents and leaders demand stronger measures to protect motorists. Ultimately, ensuring safe highways requires immediate action from all stakeholders.
