Bakwena N1: SANRAL warns motorists to be careful
Another fatal robbery on the N1 freeway has placed this national road under scrutiny and is declared a crime hotspot.
In an incident that occurred 500 m north of the Carousel Toll Plaza, on Friday, 26 July, two friends stopped next to the road to relieve themselves, when they were accosted by four armed assailants. One of the victims was shot and killed, and the suspects fled into the night with their cell phones.
This latest incident has moved the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) to issue a warning to motorists, especially when traveling on the Bakwena N1/N4 national roads.
Die Pos has raised concerns in the past about safety on this part of the N1, after several spiking incidents occurred (Die Pos, 20 June), and a victim was murdered near Radium in a similar fashion (Die Pos, 5 July).
SANRAL’s General Manager of Communications, Vusi Mona, has urged motorists to be vigilant on all our roads, especially when traveling at night. Any suspicious activity must be reported to the relevant authorities as soon as possible.
The only way that crimes of this nature can be prevented, is by constant, and frequent patrols by the police, and the relevant traffic authorities. The lack of manpower, are usually quoted as the main reason this cannot be maintained over long periods of time. Security companies can also assist in this regard.
The stationary presence of officers during the day on this road will be of little value, as most of these incidents occur at night, and a stationary vehicle is easy to bypass.
What makes it more difficult for police to apprehend the culprits, is that the suspects rob the motorists of all cellphones and thus it is difficult to call for help. When the police arrive on the scene the suspects are long gone.
If at all possible motorists are once again urged to refrain from driving on this road at night.
If you suspect that you have encountered spikes on the road, keep driving as far as you can. Tires and rims can be replaced, but human lives cannot.
Mona said that the relevant authorities can be reached via the Central Communications Centre, 08600 10111 for police emergencies, and 10177 for medical emergencies.
SANRAL also urges motorists to report any suspicious activity or report emergencies to the Bakwena route management offices as well, at 0800 225 9362.
SANRAL continually strives to monitor the busiest national roads in South Africa through the Freeway Management System.
