Several spiking incidents reported across Pretoria
At least one person was reportedly shot dead in crimes on highways around the city this weekend
There have been several reports of spiking incidents in Pretoria this weekend, as armed assailants have targeted motorists in the region.
The SAPS has not responded to inquiries, however, several emergency response organisations have reported incidents on the N1, N4, and N14.
N4, Watermeyer off-ramp, attempted hijacking
On Saturday night, motorists were reportedly attacked on the roadside in an attempted hijacking on the N4 at the Watermeyer off-ramp.
According to information reported by NPC Pretoria Live Traffic and Road Incidents, the victims stopped to relieve themselves beside the road on Saturday night.
The victims were then allegedly assaulted by four men.
Live Traffic reported that the victims were allegedly beaten and threatened with a firearm.
The suspects stole the victims’ wallets, cellphones, and keys, but left the vehicle on the side of the road.
“Our responders are on scene using drones with thermal technology to search for suspects,” the report from Live Traffic said.
LiveTraffic advised motorists to drive with caution, avoid stopping on dark roads, and use facilities at the nearest petrol station instead of the roadside.
SAPS had yet to comment by the time of publication.
N1, between Stormvoeland Zambezi off-ramps, Spiking
On Saturday night, Live traffic reported a spiking incident at approximately 20:50 between Sormvoel and Zambezi off-ramps.
The organisation said that SAPS, TMPD, and emergency responders were at the scene and that the victims were unharmed in the incident.
N14, Centurion near Jean Avenue, Spiking
At about 19:35 on Friday, two vehicles were allegedly spiked on the Ben Schoeman Freeway near the Jean Avenue off-ramp.
Live traffic reported that the motorists were safe following the incident.
N14, Centurion near R114, Armed robbery
Shortly after two vehicles were spiked, a man was shot dead, as he and his girlfriend were robbed at gunpoint near the R114 off-ramp on the N14.
According to a report by Live Traffic, the victim stopped on the side of the road when suspects approached them with firearms.
Live Traffic said that emergency responders tried in earnest to save the man’s life, but pronounced him dead on the scene.
N4, near the R80, Spiking
Live Traffic reported that a woman was spiked on her way to Wonderboom South on Friday night at about 19:20.
The victim was not harmed in the incident. According to Live Traffic, the woman reported that a set of “retractable spikes” were on the road.
N4, Bronkhorstspruit, Spiking
On Friday night, Live traffic reported a spiking incident on the N4 near the Bosmankraal off-ramp in the direction of Bronkhorstspruit.
The incident was reported to Live Traffic just after 21:00 by a Bronkhorstspruit resident.
The organisation said that the motorist was safe following the incident.
TMPD spokesperson, Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba noted several hotspots around the city:
– N4 Highway eastbound between Wonderboom and Bronkhorstspruit
– N4 Highway westbound between Doornpoort Toll Plaza and Brits Toll Plaza
– Mabopane Highway between Es’kia Mphahlele Drive and Ruth First Road
– N1 Highway between Carousel and Maubane Bridge
Spiking incidents can occur in daylight, but mostly when visibility is limited.
Mahamba said that perpetrators used the following techniques:
– Blocking the roadway with rocks which ultimately forces motorists to divert and fall into a trap
– Randomly throwing rocks onto the road
– Throwing sharp objects onto the roadway that may damage vehicle tyres
– Putting spikes on the road
“Motorists are advised to avoid driving during late hours unless unavoidable,” he said.
“Report all incidents to the police. Should a vehicle get spiked, motorists are advised not to stop and proceed until reaching a safe place, which may be the nearest petrol station or police station.”
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