Spikes on main routes: Motorists kidnapped, law enforcers shot

Spiking incident on the N4, as well as main routes in Pretoria, have motorists concerned.

Over the last week, armed robbers have unleashed a reign of terror on the Bakwena N4 as these spiking incidents have become more violent with kidnapping and suspects opening fire on law enforcement agencies.

At least five spiking incidents and armed robberies have been reported since last Friday.

Incidents

In one of the incidents, a father and son hit spikes on the Bakwena N4 between Brits and De Wildt on Saturday night and kept driving until the vehicle could go no further and came to a standstill near the M21 off-ramp at De Wildt.

According to Kobus Grobler of Aequitas Security, three armed robbers pounced on them and fired a shot through the vehicle’s window.

“They took the father and son hostage and forced them into the bushes close to Rosslyn Road at the De Wildt crossing. In the meantime, the Tshwane Metro Police Department noticed the car and reported the spiking on security channels. Police from Brits, Mmakau and Akasia responded with Afrique du Sud K9 Security (ADS), TSU Security and Aequitas Security.

“The robbers had forced the father and son through the bushes along the M21, tied them up and demanded a ransom from family members. While all parties were on the scene close to where the victims were held, a family member arrived after tracking the victims’ phone,” Grobler said.

ADS’ dogs started following the tracks and TSU enlisted a drone to look for the victims and robbers. “They were found by security officers and police in the bushes. Unfortunately, the robbers had fled, presumably when they noticed the activity. The two victims were unharmed but traumatised.”

Last Tuesday night, armed robbers responsible for the spikings opened fire on Aequitas Security officers when they responded to three spikings on the N4. Three vehicles hit spikes shortly after 19:00 near the M21 off-ramp.

“[A motorist of one of the] vehicles managed to quickly change a tyre and got away before the robbers could get to them. The next two vehicles were not so lucky and were pounced on by armed men and robbed at gunpoint,” said Grobler.

Police and security companies immediately responded after the first alert and robbers opened fire on an Aequitas Security officer. He returned fire and the robbers fled into the bushes.

Brits police spokesperson Constable Ben Moabi said that in one of the spiking cases, the victims were overpowered by four armed men who demanded money and cellphones. “The victims were ordered to take off their shoelaces and sit down next to the vehicle. Aequitas Security appeared on the scene to rescue the victims and the robbers fled while shooting at the security vehicle. No one was injured,” he said.

Moabi added police patrols have been deployed on the N4 and R566 to safeguard motorists. “We urge motorists to be alert and if they hit spikes or barricades, to try and drive to a safe place before stopping.”

Safety advice

Bakwena, the concessionaire responsible for the N1N4 route, said this week the safety of motorists and pedestrians using the N1N4 route is Bakwena’s priority and it views these incidents in a serious light.

“In light of recent incidents, Bakwena would like to share some valuable safety advice,” spokesperson Charmaine van Wyk said.

• As these spiking incidents predominantly take place at night, motorists are encouraged to travel during the daytime.
• Remain vigilant and reduce your speed as this will enable better visibility of the road ahead.
• Call 0800 BAKWENA / 0800 2259362 should you come across any objects along the Bakwena N1N4 route or require assistance.
• Contact Brits SAPS on 012 381 6077/78

“Should anyone have any information relating to these criminals and incidents, we encourage you to please inform SAPS so the culprits can be dealt with. Let’s work together to ensure everyone’s safety.”

Other hotspots

Pretoria Rekord reports that Garsfontein and De Villebois Mareuil roads in Tshwane have also been identified as hotspots for tyre spiking crimes.

AfriForum spokesperson for community safety Jacques Broodryk told the publication that in these crimes, assailants place spikes on the road surface to puncture the tyres so that motorists stop for repairs.

He said once the motorist has stopped, they are ambushed and robbed. Broodryk said in the past, the assailants would target back, deserted roads.

“Criminals, however, have now started to apply this technique to busier roads as well, though it is often carried out at quieter times of day, especially at night,” he added.

Previously, more rural sections of the N1 north of Pretoria, the R80, N4 in the north of the city as well as the N4 in Pretoria east were notorious for these traps.

Broodryk said AfriForum neighbourhood watches in and around Pretoria are committed to combatting the serious increase in spike traps currently reported on several main routes as part of the civic organisation’s broader campaign to curb the crime.