Elderly couple attacked and robbed on Cape Town's N1 highway

An elderly deaf couple were reportedly attacked and robbed on the N1 near Century City on New Year's evening by suspects wearing reflective vests.

The incident has renewed concerns about safety on Cape Town’s major highways and highlighted the actions of several good Samaritans who stopped to assist.

The couple’s vehicle had broken down just before the M5 turn-off when they were approached by men believed to have posed as helpers. According to eyewitnesses, the suspects allegedly assaulted the couple with pangas, stole their wallets and cellphones, and damaged the male victim’s hearing aid before fleeing the scene.

A motorist who stopped to help, and wished to remain anonymous, said her family were travelling on the N1 at about 9:15pm on January 1 when they noticed a vehicle stopping on the shoulder of the road.

“At first we thought people were trying to help, but then we saw a fight break out. The men involved were wearing reflective jackets,” she said.

She said she slowed down and activated her hazard lights, as did another vehicle, after which the suspects ran away. An off-duty fireman and a family from Capricorn also stopped to assist, remaining with the victims on the scene.

The witness said her husband checked on the elderly man, who had visible injuries to his head and ear area. “There was blood, and his hearing aid had been broken. Both victims were extremely distressed. The woman was in shock, which made communication difficult,” she said.

Emergency services were contacted and an ambulance was flagged down. The group waited between 30 and 40 minutes for police to arrive and stayed with the couple.

While waiting, the good Samaritans assisted the couple by helping them contact their banks to stop stolen cards. The driver reportedly told those assisting that the vehicle had broken down and that he had been attempting to reach roadside assistance when the suspects approached, believing they were there to help.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said Milnerton, Kensington and Maitland SAPS had no record, adding that further information would be required if a case had been registered.

The incident has drawn comment from the Freedom Front Plus, which said the attack underscores ongoing safety concerns on major routes.

Ward councillor Emre Uygun said the party has repeatedly warned about attacks on motorists, particularly on the N1, N2 and R300, noting that SANRAL has been allocated more than R100 billion for the 2025/26 financial year to maintain and safeguard national roads.

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