Pretoria – Motorists travelling on major roads in and around Pretoria have been warned to remain vigilant following a spate of tyre-spiking attacks in which criminals allegedly target stranded drivers for robbery and other violent crimes.
According to TopAuto, crime correspondent and anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee issued a warning on Monday, November 9, after two vehicles were reportedly spiked near the Kusile off-ramp on the N4 towards eMalahleni (Witbank).
“Two vehicles were spiked last night. Armed suspects, with firearms visible, were seen approaching motorists who had stopped to change flat tyres,” Abramjee said.
The warning comes days after a Russian tourist was shot dead and his wife injured in an attack on the N4 near Bronkhorstspruit. The Citizen reported that the couple were travelling to the Kruger National Park when their vehicle was allegedly spiked.
Longstanding crime trend
The husband reportedly stopped to change the damaged tyre before unknown suspects attacked and robbed the couple. Police confirmed that the man was shot dead, while his wife suffered an eye injury. No arrests had been made at the time of the report.
The latest incidents highlight a longstanding crime trend on Gauteng’s major highways. Rekord reported earlier this year that motorists had been warned about suspected spiking incidents on routes including the R21, N4, N1 and R80.
Tyre spiking typically involves criminals placing sharp objects, rocks or other obstacles on the road to puncture tyres. When motorists stop to inspect the damage or change a wheel, they can become vulnerable to armed robbery, assault or hijacking.
Abramjee advised motorists whose tyres are damaged to avoid stopping in isolated areas.
Poorly lit roads
“If your tyres are spiked, proceed slowly to a safe, well-lit location, toll plaza or filling station before stopping, provided it is safe to do so,” he said.
Motorists are also advised to keep their doors locked, remain particularly alert after dark and avoid stopping unnecessarily on highways or poorly lit roads.
The Citizen previously reported that the Tshwane Metro Police Department increased visibility on identified spiking hotspots following a rise in incidents.
Among the routes that have repeatedly been flagged are sections of the N4 between Pretoria and Mpumalanga, the N4 towards Rustenburg, the R21 between Pretoria and OR Tambo International Airport, the R80 Mabopane Freeway and parts of the N1.
Motorists who encounter suspected spikes or other objects on the road are urged to prioritise their safety and, where possible, continue slowly to a secure location rather than stopping in an isolated area.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
