In recent months, South Africa has witnessed a concerning surge in highway robbery incidents, particularly in and around Pretoria. Criminals are resorting to placing spikes or other hazardous objects on public roads, aiming to target unsuspecting drivers and rob them of their possessions.
Modus Operandi and Hotspots
These criminals operate primarily after dark, taking advantage of the cover of night to conceal the hazards until it’s too late for drivers to react. Typically, they use spikes crafted from nails, wood, or large stones to damage vehicles, particularly their tyres, forcing drivers to pull over.
Notable hotspots for these spiking incidents include:
- The N4 route from Pretoria to Rustenburg
- The N4 highway leading to Mpumalanga
Additional hotspots identified by Gauteng Traffic Police encompass various stretches of highways and secondary adjacent roads, such as the R21 freeway from OR Tambo International Airport to Pretoria and the R562 in Olifantsfontein.
Tactics and Protective Measures
Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, advises motorists to take precautionary measures to reduce their risk on the roads:
- Remain Vigilant: Avoid driving over any objects on the road.
- Strategic Lane Changes: Change lanes just before passing under a bridge to evade potential hazards.
- Reduce Speed: Lower your speed to enhance your ability to spot obstacles on the road.
- Adapt Driving Techniques: When faced with concrete lintels or similar obstacles, slow down and navigate carefully.
- Lane Straddling: Travel straddling two lanes whenever feasible to minimise the risk of hitting spikes.
- Maintain Safe Distance: Drive at a safe distance behind other vehicles to allow for better reaction time to potential dangers.
- Emergency Protocol: If confronted with a spike, decrease your speed and continue driving to the nearest safe location. If unable to stop safely, seek refuge and call for assistance.
Conclusion
While the rise in highway robbery incidents poses a significant challenge to motorists, staying informed and adopting proactive measures can help mitigate risks and ensure safer travels on South African roads.
