Highway Spiking Incidents Prompt Urgent Call for Motorists to Exercise Caution

The Gauteng highways are once again facing the menace of highway spikes gangs. Reports have come out regarding several incidents in recent weeks where criminals have placed spikes or other objects on the roads, forcing motorists to stop and robbing them. According to IOL, Anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee took to Twitter to share a picture of a car with damaged tyres, warning people about the situation. Many other Twitter users shared their experiences of encountering spikes on the roads. Some even lost control of their vehicles due to hard objects that criminals throw from overhead bridges.

The Gauteng Traffic Police have identified several hotspots, including the R21 Freeway from OR Tambo International Airport to Pretoria, the N4 to Rustenburg from the R80 Mabopane Highway to the Brits Plaza toll gate, the N4 between Mpumalanga and Pretoria, the N4 Pretoria to Mpumalanga from the Bronkhorstspruit off-ramps to the Balmoral off-ramps, and the Golden Highway. In addition, the police have urged motorists not to stop their vehicles if they encounter a puncture but rather drive slowly to the nearest public space, for instance, a fuel service station or contact the police.

Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson Sello Maremane stated that the incidents mainly occur on Friday evenings and weekends between 6 pm and 4 am. He also warned that criminals move from one area to another where the roads are quiet. Maremane assured the public that the police would continue to patrol Gauteng’s major routes and freeways to apprehend anyone placing objects and make them face the full force of the law.

In conclusion, the police are urging motorists to be careful and report any suspicious movements on the freeways to the radio control room of the Gauteng Traffic Police or contact the police at 0800 10111. It is essential to prepare for the journey during the day and reach the destination safely, particularly at night.

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Picture: Twitter / Dagreatsa