SAPS issues warning after rocks thrown at cars on East Rand

Both incidents took place in the vicinity of the Van Dyk Street bridge in Dalpark Extension Nine during the early hours of Wednesday morning last week, Brakpan Herald reports.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

READ MORE: KZN mom narrowly escapes rock throwing on M4

A couple making their way home to Boksburg at about 2am were the first to be attacked.

According to information received from Brakpan police, two objects were thrown at the couple’s white BMW as they approached the bridge, which passes over the N17 highway.

The female driver believes the projectiles were either large stones or bricks.

One of the objects struck the vehicle’s bonnet, while the other hit the windscreen and the terrified driver drove into the roadside barrier when she swerved to avoid the projectiles.

Instead of stopping to assess the damage – which is what the culprits want the victim to do so they can hijack or rob them – the couple drove straight to the police station to report the incident.

Less than two hours later, at 3.20am, a rock or brick was thrown at a bakkie passing under the bridge.

The driver of a maroon Toyota double cab bakkie was travelling along the N17 from Johannesburg to Brakpan when the projectile struck the vehicle’s nudge bar and bumper, causing extensive damage.

LtCol Mack Mngomezulu, spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni Central Cluster SAPS, told the Herald police are monitoring the area.

“No arrests have been made, but the investigation continues,” he said.

He urged people with information to contact their local police station or call 10111.

Motorists are advised to take note of the following tips for dealing with a rock-throwing incident:

• If possible, avoid driving on roads known for rock throwing.

• Be alert to movement on a bridge before you go under it.

• As far as possible, drive during daylight hours to make seeing the environment around you easier.

• If there are passengers in the vehicle with you, ask them to check for any movement on the bridge.

• If you are the victim of a thrown rock, try and remain as calm as you possibly can while assessing the situation around you.

• Pull off to the side of the road, once it is safe to do so, to check on damage.

• Contact police and emergency services immediately.

• There is a practice to change lanes immediately before entering a bridge to avoid becoming a victim.

This may work if there is no other traffic around and you are able to move freely between lanes.

However, this is problematic if there are other drivers who have the same idea.

Stick to the speed limits, always obey the rules of the road, and always be vigilant of what other drivers are doing.

• Tips obtained from the Automobile Association of South Africa at www.aa.co.za

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