Limpopo police hunt for culprits involved in N1 and R101 road spike incidents
This follows three separate incidents of armed robbery along the N1 and R101 roads within the Mokopane policing area over the weekend.
LIMPOPO – Provincial police on Sunday (August 22) warned motorists about the dangerous ‘road spiking’ tactic being used by criminals on major routes between Polokwane and Kranskop toll plaza.
This after three separate but similar incidents of armed robbery took place along the N1 and R101 roads within the Mokopane policing area since Saturday (August 21).
According to a statement issued by police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapleo the criminals had placed sharp objects on the road, resulting in the victims experiencing punctures and being forced to stop to change the tyres. The victims were then attacked and robbed of their belongings at gun point,” he said.
Read more: Ambulance crew, patients robbed on N1 after vehicle drives over spikes
Mojapelo explained that one of the incidents happened on Saturday evening after a couple were forced to pull off the R101 road to change their tyre after they got a puncture as a result of driving over the said spikes.
“While changing the tyre, three suspects emerged from the bushes and fired some shots. They then forced the victim and his wife into to the bushes and robbed them of cellphones and bank cards.”
He added that both victims managed to escape with minor injuries.
Read more: Police warn of sharp-spikes-in-the-road crimes on highways
The other two motorists were attacked on the N1 road in separate incident which took place on Saturday and Sunday.
In both incident the victims pulled off the road to fix punctures as a result of the spikes placed along the roadway, he added.
“As the victims were changing tyres, the suspects emerged from the nearby bushes and threatened them with pistols and a rifle. They were then robbed of items that included cash, cellphones, laptops, bank cards and clothes.”
The provincial police commissioner, Lt Genl Thembi Hadebe has ordered the police to hunt down the culprits involved in all tree incidents so that ‘can face the full might of the law’.
Read more: Beware of spiky fruit on the road
Police patrols have since been intensified along all major routes and the authorities urge the public to assist by reporting any suspicious movement along the road.
Anyone with information that can lead to their arrest should contact Lt Col Richard Boshomane on 079 894 5501 or Sgt Phaladi Makola on 082 749 2233. Alternately they can also contact the 24-hour Crime Stop number of 086 001 0111 or their nearest police station.”
