WATCH: Cape Town Robbers Hang Live Dogs as Bait for Highway Ambush

Cape Town, South Africa – April 30, 2026 — In a disturbing escalation of roadside crime on the Cape Flats, criminals are allegedly resorting to extreme animal cruelty as bait in a new hijacking and robbery tactic along the busy R300 highway.

The Animal Welfare Society of South Africa (AWSSA) has issued an urgent warning to motorists following an incident on Sunday, April 26, in which two dogs were found cruelly suspended from concrete palisade walls near Samora Machel. One dog was hanging by wire wrapped tightly around its neck, while another was jammed between the concrete barriers. Both animals were already dead from suffocation and injuries by the time AWSSA inspectors arrived.

According to the organisation, the shocking scenes appear designed to exploit the compassion of passing drivers. Criminals are suspected of hanging live dogs — and potentially other animals such as cats or goats — from roadside structures in the hope that empathetic motorists will pull over to help, leaving themselves vulnerable to ambush, robbery, or vehicle hijacking.

A motorist who spotted the dogs that Sunday evening chose not to stop, instead alerting AWSSA out of suspicion that it could be a trap. Senior Inspector Sivuyile Kilwa and Senior Nurse Michelle Henning responded promptly but could only recover the deceased animals. In one reported account, individuals approached the inspectors during the rescue attempt in what was perceived as an attempted robbery or hijacking.

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The R300, a major 35km route connecting areas including Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Philippi, and Samora Machel, has long been associated with high crime levels, particularly at night. This latest tactic marks what AWSSA describes as a ruthless new low, highlighting the lengths to which some criminals will go.

“[This] is not an isolated incident, but rather proof of just how ruthless criminals have become,” the organisation stated in its public alert.

No arrests have been reported in connection with the April 26 incident, and police investigations are ongoing. Authorities and animal welfare groups are urging drivers not to stop for distressed animals in isolated or high-risk areas. Instead, motorists should note the location, drive to a safe point, and alert emergency services, the police, or organisations like AWSSA.

This incident comes amid broader concerns over animal cruelty linked to crime in the Western Cape, including pet poisonings and thefts used in other scams. Residents and road users are advised to remain vigilant, especially along highways and during evening hours.

The AWSSA has called for increased awareness and cooperation between communities, law enforcement, and welfare organisations to combat both the animal abuse and the associated violent crimes. Motorists travelling the R300 are encouraged to travel in groups where possible and maintain situational awareness.

Further updates are expected as authorities respond to the warning.