The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) is aware of the increasing crime of spiking vehicles in Tshwane, especially on freeways. The trend is that a vehicle is spiked and when it stops, criminals rob occupations of their belongings and sometimes assault them.
The TMPD together with the South African Police Services (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies has increased visibility on freeways by deploying vehicles that will specifically deal with this crime. So far, this method can prevent this crime as several vehicles were assisted before they could be robbed after spiking. Furthermore, pedestrians found on highways are searched and removed from highways.
The TMPD has since identified the following hotspot areas for spikes in Tshwane:
• N4 Highway eastbound between Wonderboom and Bronkhorstspruit
• N4 Highway westbound between Doornpoort Toll Plaza and Brits Toll Plaza
• Mabopane Highway between Es'kia Mphahlele Drive and Ruth First Road
• N1 Highway between Carousel and Maubane Bridge
Spiking incidents can occur in daylight and mostly when visibility is limited.
The modus operandi includes the following:
• Blocking the roadway with rocks which ultimately forces motorists to divert and fall into a trap.
• Randomly throwing rocks onto the road
• Throwing sharp objects onto the roadway that may damage vehicle tyres
• Putting spikes on the road
Motorists are advised to avoid driving during late hours unless unavoidable. Report all incidents to the police. Should a vehicle get spiked, motorists are advised not to stop and proceed until reaching a safe place, which may be the nearest petrol station or police station.
The TMPD, together with other law enforcement agencies, is putting measures in place to curb this crime in the city. Police visibility on freeways has increased