Christmas shoppers on edge after smash-and-grab attack near Century City

A SMASH-AND-GRAB attack near Century City has motorists and Christmas shoppers on edge.

Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said Milnerton police are investigating a case of malicious damage to property after a vehicle was struck with stones along Century Boulevard on Thursday night.

The incident occurred at about 11.25pm after the Canal Walk Shopping Centre was emptying out from the rush of festive shopping.

“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and no arrests have been made,” Twigg said.

Freedom Front Plus Councillor Emre Uygun said the Century City incident on the Sable Road offramp was not isolated and formed part of a broader pattern of attacks reported in and around the area over recent months.

“We are shocked and disturbed by continued reports of motorists being targeted along this stretch of road. We have repeatedly raised concerns about similar attacks in the area, particularly at night.”

Uygun alleged that in some incidents, rocks were deliberately placed in the roadway or thrown at vehicles, placing motorists at serious risk.

He added: “These attacks are extremely dangerous and could easily result in serious injury or loss of life. Without visible policing and decisive action, criminals will continue to exploit these areas.”

The party has called on all three spheres of government to implement proactive crime prevention measures, including increased patrols and targeted operations in known hotspot areas.

The latest attack follows a string of smash-and-grab incidents.

Earlier this month, Nelspruit grandmother Karin van Aardt, 64, was killed in a violent attack near Cape Town International Airport, sparking outrage and renewed calls for tougher policing.

Anyone with any information on the Century City incident is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.

Cape Times