Johannesburg - The Gauteng Traffic Police have issued a warning to motorists about criminals placing spikes or objects on public roads with the intention of forcing them to stop the car and robbing them.
Over recent weeks, there have been numerous incidents of motorists complaining about spikes or other objects were placed on public roads. On the R104, near Cullinan, on Saturday, spikes were placed on the road near the Sammy Marks Museum. It was also reported that grass was set alight next to the road to confuse motorists with smoke. Another incident was also reported on the Old Bronkhorstspruit Road and the N4 in Pretoria on May 17.
“The placing of spikes has resulted in many road users being involved in unwarranted accidents and some even losing their lives through these ruthless acts. The Gauteng Traffic Police will continue to conduct law enforcement operations on Gauteng’s major routes and freeways to ensure that anyone found placing an object is apprehended to face the full might of law,” said Sello Maremane, Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson.
“The Gauteng Traffic Police have, in recent times, noted a rise in incidents of spikes placed strategically on the freeways by criminals. Hard objects were in recent times thrown from overhead bridges resulting in motorists losing control of their vehicles, being involved in unnecessary accidents and robbed of their belongings,” the traffic police said.
The routes that have been identified as hot spots include along the N4 from Mpumalanga to Pretoria, between the Solomon Mahlangu and Watermeyer off-ramp; the N4 Pretoria to Mpumalanga between the Bronkhorstspruit and Balmoral off-ramps; the N4 to Rustenburg between R80 Mabopane Freeway and Brits Plaza toll gate; the Golden Highway and the R21 Freeway from OR Tambo International Airport to Pretoria.
Maremane said the modus operandi was that criminals moved from one area to the other where the roads were quiet to rob motorists of their cash and other belongings.
Maremane said the incidents happened especially on Friday evenings and over the weekends between 6pm and 4am.
“Motorists are urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious movements on our freeways to our radio control room at 0116893712 or 0116893999 or alternatively they can contact the police at 080010111,” he said.
The Gauteng Traffic Police, in provided safety tips for motorists, urged them never to stop the vehicle if they have a puncture. Motorists were instructed to instead drive slowly to the nearest garage and contact the police.
If a motorist is stopped by a traffic officer, the motorist should demand to see their appointment certificate to verify if such an officer is employed by the relevant traffic authority.
“In case the officer fails to produce his or her appointment certificate, take down the registration number of the patrol vehicle and report them immediately to the nearest police station,” the department said.
If the vehicle has broken down, motorists are encouraged to remain in the vehicle with the doors locked while seeking assistance and to not allow any person to tow the vehicle without written permission.
The Star