WARNING: Avoid these spiking hotspots in Gauteng

The highway spikes gang is back in full force on Gauteng highways.

Numerous incidents have been reported of motorists complaining about spikes or other objects being placed on public roads by criminals to force motorists to stop to attend to their vehicles. 

WARNING SPIKES ARE STRATEGICALLY PLACE ON ROADWAYS

The motorists are then attacked and robbed. 

Witbank: N12 under the Merridale bridge – between Tasbet 2 and Tasbet 3: Spiking incident.

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) August 12, 2023

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The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) would like to issue a warning to motorists and urge them to be extra vigilant on their commutes, as criminals are placing spikes or object on the public roads with the intention to rob them.

HERE ARE THE IDENTIFIED HOTSPOTS IN GAUTENG

Here are the identified hotspots in Gauteng:

• Witbank: N12 under the Merridale bridge
• The R562, Olifantsfontein;
• The R21, between OR Tambo International Airport; 
• N3, Leondale and Barry Marais;
• N17, between Rondebult and Heidelberg Road 

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SPIKING INCIDENT PRONE TO TAKE PLACE ON WEEKENDS AND NIGHTS

“Together with other law enforcement agencies, the EMPD has received several complaints regarding spikes being strategically placed on the roadways in order to rob innocent motorists of their belongings.”EMPD

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DO NOT STOP WHEN YOU HIT A SPIKE OR EXPERIENCE A TYRE PUNCTURE

A pattern has been established, showing that these ruthless acts of crimes usually happen on weekends and result in unnecessary accidents and loss of life. 

The EMPD advises motorists not to stop when they hit a spike or experience a tyre puncture, especially at night, and should continue to drive slowly to the nearest garage or police station.

“The Department will continue to have high police visibility around the hotspot areas, and those found placing objects to endanger the lives of other motorists will face the full might of the law.”EMPD

LAST YEAR THESE AREAS WERE TARGETED

Last year these areas were targeted: 

• The N4 Mpumalanga to Pretoria between Solomon Mahlangu and Watermeyer off-ramp.
• The N4 Pretoria to Mpumalanga between Bronkhorstspruit and Balmoral off-ramp.
• The N1 Polokwane N4 Mpumalanga interchange in Pretoria.
• The N4 to Rustenburg between R80 Mabopane Freeway and Brits Plaza tollgate.
• Golden Highway.

Gauteng traffic police spokesperson Sello Moremane gave the following advice on what to do when a vehicle has been spiked:

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HERE IS WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU VEHICLE HAS BEEN SPIKED

• Never stop your vehicle if you get such a puncture; instead drive slowly to the nearest garage, while contacting the Gauteng Traffic Police.
• If you are stopped by a traffic officer, demand to see their appointment certificate to verify whether such an officer is employed by the relevant traffic authority.
• In case the officer fails to produce his or her appointment certificate, take down the registration number of the patrol vehicle and report them to immediately at the nearest police station.
• If your vehicle has had a complete breakdown on the road, remain in the vehicle with your car doors locked while seeking assistance.
• Do not allow any person to tow your vehicle without written permission.
• Should you see that another motorist has been spiked, kindly stop and give the necessary assistance.

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