N4 Spikings: Motorists Remain at Risk

Image Source: Picture of a damaged tyre due to spiking/ via DFA

Published by: Everything ZA News

The N4 in Gauteng, particularly the Bakwena N4 stretch, continues to be a hotspot for spiking incidents targeting motorists. These attacks endanger lives and leave drivers vulnerable to robbery and violence.

Recent Incidents

Just in the past two weeks, there have been more than eight incidents reported where victims were robbed of their personal belongings, attempts at high jacking of motor vehicle and in other cases acts of violence.

Spiker Tactics

Criminals employ various methods to disable vehicles. These include:

Metal Spikes: Scattered strategically on the road, these puncture tires, forcing drivers to stop.
Large Rocks: Placed alongside the road, these can cause swerving or loss of control, making vehicles vulnerable.

Targeted Areas

While incidents can occur anywhere on the N4, motorists should be especially cautious on these stretches:

Between the train bridge and the Donkerhoek turnoff (Pretoria East)
Ogies turnoff to N1 interchange
N4 Platinum West towards Brits

Staying Safe

Here are some tips to improve your safety on the N4:

Travel during daylight hours whenever possible.
Drive with caution, especially at night. Be aware of your surroundings and suspicious objects on the road.
If you hit a spike, avoid stopping on the side of the road. If possible, drive slowly on the rim to a safe, well-lit area before pulling over.
Report any suspicious activity or incidents to the police immediately.

Authorities Take Action

Law enforcement is aware of the spiking problem and has taken steps to address it. These include:

Increased police patrols in high-risk areas.
Working with community security organizations for better monitoring.

Community Awareness

Sharing information and staying alert are crucial in combating spiking. By following safety precautions and reporting incidents, motorists can help keep the N4 safer for everyone.