Pretoria motorists warned not to stop under any circumstances

More and more attacks on motorists in and around Pretoria are reported every day.

One thing is clear: criminals are becoming more and more brazen and even attacking motorists in broad daylight, and in some incidents, not even spike-related.

Motorists are, therefore, warned not to stop under any circumstances.

Here is a list of the recent attacks as reported on ICE Community Network:

• 3 June, Monday, 01h30. A spiking incident occurred on the N14 on-ramp from Eeufees Road.
• 3 June, Monday, 19:45. On N4 platinum highway between Rosslyn & Lavender road.
• 30 May, Thursday, 19:30. Spiking incident on the N4 close to Watermeyer offramp. While the driver was busy fixing his tyre, three unknown armed men robbed him of his personal belongings.
• 29 May, Wednesday night. A family was travelling in a Westerly direction on the N4. It’s suspected that the vehicle was spiked before Solomon Mahlangu, heading towards town, taking the Simon Vermooten offramp.

Here are some tips from private investigator Mike Bolhuis to reduce the risk:

• Avoid driving over anything on the road, including plastic bags.
• When passing under a bridge, change lanes just before you pass underneath it.
• Reduce speed to increase your chances of seeing obstacles on the road.
• Concrete lintels are being used as well.
• If you cannot avoid them any other way, slow down and carefully drive over them.
• If the circumstances allow, travelling straddling two lanes may help you miss spikes being placed in the lane.
• If another vehicle is present, drive six seconds or more behind so their driving can alert you if anything is amiss.
• When you see something suspicious ahead if the highway is quiet enough and safety allows it, drive across the island (if possible) and travel in the opposite direction.
• If you spot an obstacle before you reach it, move into the emergency lane or onto the grass if that highway section allows it.
• Stick to the speed limit and slow down in areas known for spike and rock-throwing incidents. This could give you enough time to spot the object on the road and safely avoid the danger.
• If you drive over a spike or other damaging object, remain calm and avoid stopping if possible.
• If the unfortunate happens and you hit a spike, reduce your speed to approximately 30-40km/h and continue driving to the nearest place of safety instead of stopping immediately.
• At all costs, do not get out of your car.
• Instead, drive your tyres to the rim to the nearest police station.
• It is vitally important that you do not panic or engage with the criminals as this can put your life at risk.
• If you managed to move past the spikes safely, contact authorities immediately to prevent other motorists from being harmed by the criminals.
• It is critical to identify the high-risk roads in your area/province.
• This information is generally published in each area.
• Always ensure that your cell phone is fully charged and its live location is always on, especially if you drive alone.

Spiking hotspots in and around Pretoria:

 

• The R21, between OR Tambo International Airport;
• N4 towards Pretoria, Donkerhoek area
• The R562, Olifantsfontein, N3, Leondale and Barry Marais
• N17 between Rondebult and Heidelberg Road

Motorists are advised not to stop when they suspect they have become a spiking victim, especially at night, instead should drive on slowly to the nearest garage or police station.

ALSO READ: Police investigate, hijacking and ATM bombing in Knopjeslaagte

Previously, these areas and roads were targeted:

 The N4 to Rustenburg between R80 Mabopane Freeway and Brits Plaza tollgate

• The N4 Mpumalanga to Pretoria between Solomon Mahlangu and Watermeyer off-ramp
• The N4 Pretoria to Mpumalanga between Bronkhorstspruit and Balmoral off-ramp
• Golden Highway
• The N1 Polokwane N4 Mpumalanga interchange in Pretoria

*Please note the article has been amended.

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