N1 and N4 roads hotspots for ‘spiking and stone throwing’
Motorists who travel along the N1 and the N4 highways are advised to be on the lookout for metal objects being placed on the roadway.
LIMPOPO – “Spiking” incidents have been noted along highways in Gauteng and Limpopo and the Community Policing Forum (CPF) would like to warn motorists to be extremely vigilant, especially when driving at night.
“‘Spiking’ and other road hazards such as stones in the roadway or stones being thrown at vehicles from overhead bridges, have made travelling along parts of the N4 and N1 highways risky,” reads a statement issued by Hugo Erasmus, Chairperson of CPF Lyttleton in Gauteng.
Read more: Police warn of sharp-spikes-in-the-road crimes on highways
Confirmed hotpots include the N4 highways between Tshwane (Pretoria) and Emalahleni (Witbank), N4 to Brits and the N1 north and southbound near the Pumulani toll plaza off/on-ramps.
Earlier this year, the police warned motorists about metal spikes being placed on the highways and quiet roads after several incidents were reported of motorists stopping to inspect the damage to their cars’ wheels and then being attacked.
In March, four employees from the Department of Health and several patients were victims of a ‘spiking’ incident along the N1 south near Bela-Bela. The staff were transporting four patients from Nkhensani and Maphutha Malatji hospitals in Limpopo to George Mkhari Hospital in Gauteng, when their vehicle got a puncture, as a result of spikes in the roadway.
According to a statement issued by the department, the driver stopped the vehicle to inspect the damage when he was confronted by two men with firearms. “During the incident, the suspects robbed all the occupants, including the driver, of their bank cards, money, cellphones and other belongings.”
No one was injured and the matter was reported to the police.
Read more: Police warn of sharp-spikes-in-the-road crimes on highways
Erasmus urged motorists to avoid traveling in the hotspot areas after dark. “If you fall victim, drive on as far as possible until you are in a safer environment and report the incident to the police or your local CPF branch,” he concluded.
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