Road spikes: Search on for criminals targeting motorists on the N4

Gauteng MEC for Community Safety and Security Faith Mazibuko says the search is ongoing for criminals targeting motorists on most highways using road spikes.

Gauteng motorists’ lives are said to be in danger as there is an increase in cases of road spikes, especially on the N4.

CRIMINALS CONTINUE TO TARGET MOTORISTS USING ROAD SPIKES

Earlier this week, Mazibuko said they have deployed police officers in strategic points so that they would be able to respond quickly.

She also urged motorists not to stop after a spiking incident, instead, they should proceed to the nearest police station.

Regarding the increase of fake blue lights officers, Mazibuko said motorists should not stop if they do not feel safe.

“Indicate to them using your hazards. Since police officers are trained, they would know that you are driving to the nearest police or petrol station. It is allowed.o not be afraid and stop in dangerous places,” Mazibuko emphasised.

Criminals are targeting motorists in most Gauteng highways using road spikes. Image: X/@Abramjee.

HOTSPOTS IDENTIFIED

BusinessTech reported that the notable hotspots for spiking at the moment are the N4 from Pretoria to Rustenburg and the N4 on the way to Mpumalanga along with these roads:

• N4 Mpumalanga to Pretoria between Solomon Mahlangu and Watermeyer off-ramp.

• N4 Pretoria to Mpumalanga between Bronkhorstspruit and Balmoral off-ramp.

• N1 Polokwane N4 Mpumalanga interchange in Pretoria.

• N4 to Rustenburg between R80 Mabopane Freeway and Brits Plaza tollgate.

• Golden Highway.

• R21 Freeway from OR Tambo International Airport to Pretoria.

• R562 in Olifantsfontein

• N12 in Witbank, under the Merridale bridge

• N12 between Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom

• N3 between Leondale and Barry Marais Road

• N17 between Rondebult and Heidelberg Road

In 2022, MEC Mazibuko revealed that of the 13 cases of road spikes reported along the R104 road, only two arrests were made with no convictions as the cases were still pending in court.

At the time, Mazibuko said that there have been increased patrols in the area by SAPS members as they conducted two operations weekly and CPF members patrolled the area using drones.

SOURCE:Road spikes: Search on for criminals targeting motorists on the N4 (thesouthafrican.com)