Key Takeaways:
- Motorists traveling on the N1 northbound near Samrand are urged to remain vigilant due to a recent spiking incident, marking the third such incident reported along the route in a single day.
- The modus operandi of road spikers involves throwing spikes in the road, often hidden in black plastic bags or cardboard boxes, to cause vehicles to stop and then rob them.
- Motorists are advised to avoid driving alone at night, keep their cellphones charged, and share their live location with a family member or friend.
- Drivers should avoid secluded and unlit roads and highways, never drive over suspicious objects, and travel at a reasonable speed to allow for swerving out of the way.
- In the event of driving over spikes, motorists should stay calm, continue driving, and reduce speed if necessary, rather than stopping and putting themselves at risk of robbery.
Introduction to the Incident
The N1 northbound near Samrand has become a hotspot for road spiking incidents, with another vehicle reportedly being spiked in the area on Monday evening. This marks the third such incident reported along the route in a single day, highlighting the need for motorists to remain extremely vigilant when traveling through this area. The latest incident follows a deadly spiking ambush previously reported on the N1, where a motorist was shot and killed after stopping on the highway last month. The police have not yet confirmed or provided more information on the recent incident, which occurred approximately 38.4 km northbound, between Carousel Plaza and Maubane Ramp.
Modus Operandi of Road Spikers
Private investigator Mike Bolhuis has explained the modus operandi of road spikers, which involves throwing spikes in the road, often hidden in black plastic bags or cardboard boxes, to cause vehicles to stop and then rob them. According to Bolhuis, when a vehicle is approximately 400-500 meters away, criminals throw the spikes in the road, making it difficult for drivers to recognize the danger. Additionally, criminals may use concrete lintels and place them right across the road, making it almost impossible for drivers to see them, especially at night. There are usually two groups involved in this crime: the spiking group and the stopper group or robbers, with the second group waiting for about 50-150 meters away from the place where the spiking takes place.
Safety Precautions for Motorists
Bolhuis has warned that criminals also hang rocks and bricks at windscreen heights from bridges to cause vehicles to stop before robbing them. To avoid becoming a victim of road spiking, motorists are advised to avoid driving alone at night and ensure that their cellphones are charged to their maximum. It is also recommended to share live location with a family member or friend, in case of an emergency. Motorists should avoid secluded and unlit roads and highways, especially at night, and never drive over a plastic bag or a cardboard box in the road. Instead, drivers should travel at a reasonable speed, allowing them to swerve out of the way and avoid the spikes. By following these safety precautions, motorists can reduce their risk of becoming a victim of road spiking.
What to Do in the Event of Driving Over Spikes
In the event of driving over spikes, motorists should stay calm and not stop. Instead, they should continue driving, reducing speed if necessary, and avoid panicking if they hear the metal of their car’s rims or see sparks. According to Bolhuis, it is less dangerous to proceed at 40km/hour than it is to stop, as stopping can put motorists at risk of robbery. By continuing to drive, motorists may be able to take an off-ramp, stop at a tollgate, or a garage where they can make an emergency call or ask for help. This can help prevent further harm and ensure the safety of the motorists and their passengers.
Current Hotspots in and Around Pretoria
The current hotspots in and around Pretoria include the N4 West in Akasia to Brits, N4 East to Bronkhorspruit, N1 from Midrand to Carousel Plaza, Ben Schoeman Road from Midrand to Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre, N1 "South" from Naturena to Vaal River, and the R80 Mabopane Freeway from Eskia Mphahlele Road to Soshanguve. Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution when traveling through these areas, especially at night, and to follow the safety precautions outlined by Bolhuis. By being aware of these hotspots and taking necessary precautions, motorists can reduce their risk of becoming a victim of road spiking and ensure a safe journey.
