A series of spiking incidents occurred on Wednesday evening targeting vehicles on major highways around Gauteng, South Africa.
Here’s a breakdown of the events:
- Multiple Vehicles Spiked: Eight vehicles were disabled by spikes on the N4 West near Brits tollgate, N1 South before Wallmannsthal, and N1 North before Sefako Makgatho.
- Shots Fired and Robberies: One incident on the N1 South involved gunfire, with the occupants being rescued by authorities. It’s believed victims on the N4 West were also robbed of their belongings.
- Rock Throwing: Two vehicles sustained damage from rocks placed on the N4 eastbound.
Be Alert on These Routes: Authorities have warned motorists to be cautious, especially at night, on the following routes with a history of spiking incidents:
- N14 highway
- N1 highway near Carousel Plaza
- Wallmansthal on-ramp on the R80 highway
- R566 road
- N1 highway between Sefako Makghato Drive and Wallmansthal on-ramp
- R80 highway
Safety Tips for Drivers: Law enforcement and community safety organizations advise the following measures:
- Drive On After Spiking: If your vehicle is spiked, continue driving cautiously to a safe area before stopping.
- Have Emergency Numbers Handy: Save important contact information for emergency services, security companies, or neighborhood watch groups on your phone.
- Report Incidents Immediately: Contact authorities after reaching safety, providing details about the location and type of trap encountered.
- Be Prepared: Ensure your phone is charged before traveling, consider sharing your location with loved ones, and stay alert for suspicious objects or people on the roadside.
- Emergency App Option: Explore subscribing to emergency service applications that offer panic buttons or reporting features.
By following these precautions and staying informed about crime hotspots, Gauteng motorists can help ensure a safer driving experience.
Spike Alert:
4 cars spiked -21:30 last night at N4 west before Brits tollgate.Victims were robbed off their phones and bank cards.
At 19;20 on N1 South before Wallmannstal, a single vehicle was spiked and shots fired. Victim rescued by Saps, TMPD, Tracker SA and GTP.
At… https://t.co/5PECIBOb3R pic.twitter.com/zk83CBQrNX
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) May 9, 2024