Police arrest 26 suspects linked to spiking incidents plaguing the N1, N4 and the R80 routes

Gauteng police say they have made progress in purging the spiking incidents in Pretoria.

Provincial police commissioner Tommy Mthombeni said the police have arrested 26 suspects linked to spiking incidents on the N1, N4 and the R80.

“I must say we have made some progress in combatting spiking incidents in the hotspot areas.

“Keep in mind that these arrested suspects are still in custody,” said Mthombeni.

Mthombeni told Rekord about the successes and progress made in prominent cases since he took charge over 100 days ago.

“In terms of community involvement, the government has come up with an approach consisting of six pillars.

“The first pillar is the Integrated-Governmental Programme, where we have over 10 000 metro police officials that are deployed in spiking hotspots around the province.”

Mthombeni said the Business Against Crime South Africa’s quarterly meeting helped guide the police on how to combat spiking.

“We also have the E2 project which is linked to the security industry, where we have over 200 000 security personnel deployed in various areas of the province, where they will be an ear and eyes for us.

“It is a concerted effort on which at the end of the day we have to work together so that we can overcome the challenge we are facing,” said Mthombeni.

He said the roads must also be in good shape so that it offers a clear environment for motorists when driving.

“We mustn’t forget the policing through environmental design because the grass must be cut, the road must be well maintained so that motorists can see what is happening in and around them,” added Mthombeni.

The commissioner said the police are offering various programmes for spiking victims.

“There are different programmes that we offer victims, especially when they feel that their lives might be in danger.

“SAPS co-ordinate the witness protection programmes where they take the witness to and from the court and keep them updated on their cases,” said the commissioner.

Mthombeni said community policing forums (CPFs) must always remain active and serve the community diligently.

“The CPF and the patrollers must be screened before joining the policing structures because we don’t want to find ourselves working with people that have criminal records.”

Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) Freeway patrol teams recently patrolled spiking hotspots in Pretoria, as more motorists are being targeted.

On Thursday evening, Mayor Cilliers Brink joined TMPD Chief Yolanda Faro and her freeway patrol teams to monitor spiking hotspot routes along the N4, N14 Eeufees Road, the R80 and others.

He said the TMPD has increased its deployment since January.

A motorist’s vehicle was spiked on the N4 Bakwena Highway close to the Engen garage at Doornpoort Plaza.

The family was assisted and fortunately, was unharmed in the incident.

“In the past five months, our TMPD freeway patrol teams have assisted over 200 motorists at night with breakdowns including tyre bursts, fuel shortages and mechanical failures.”

Brink said three spiked vehicles on the N14 Eeufees Road offramp were also assisted.

Private investigator Mike Bolhuis urged motorists to stay calm should it happen that they drive over the spikes.

“Stay calm and do not stop. Continue driving, but reduce speed if need be. Do not panic if you hear the metal of your car’s rims or even see sparks.”

According to Bolhuis, it is less dangerous to proceed at 40km/hour than it is to stop.

“Further down the road, you might be able to take an off-ramp, stop at a tollgate, or a garage where you can make an emergency call or ask for help.”

Where are the current hotspots in and around Pretoria?

– N4 West in Akasia to Brits

– N4 East to Bronkhorstspruit

– N1 from Midrand to Carousel Plaza

– Ben Schoeman Road from Midrand to Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre

– N1 South from Naturena to Vaal River

– R80 Mabopane Freeway from Eskia Mphahlele Road to Soshanguve

Spiking incidents can occur in daylight, but take place mostly when visibility is limited.

The modus operandi entails blocking the roadway with sharp objects such as rocks or spikes which ultimately forces motorists to divert and fall into a trap by damaging their vehicles’ tyres.

Motorists are advised to avoid driving during late hours unless unavoidable.

Here are some tips for motorists if spiked:

– Reduce speed, but don’t stop. Try to keep the vehicle momentum going as much as possible. Your life is more important than the vehicle.

– Try to reach a safe spot with lighting.

– Share your location on the spiking groups or any security group or forum.

– Give a brief description via a voice note.

– Keep updating briefly via voice notes.

– If your car can’t go further, leave everything but your phone, run and hide somewhere and make sure to mute your phone and dim your screen, try to keep moving if possible.

– If you do get caught, lie down with your arms out and all your possessions away from your body, and don’t engage with the criminals.

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