Motorists warned of new tyre spiking method
Criminals target motorists at night, spiking their tyres using various improvised spiking devices
Motorists are advised to be on high alert for tyre spiking on the N4 during the festive season. Criminals target motorists at night, spiking their tyres, and when they stop, attack and rob them.
In a recent case, a woman’s car was spiked on the N4 near the KaNyamazane turn-off. Only her handbag was taken. She was assisted by a passer-by who helped her to change her tyre so she could continue to Malalane.
The victim told Lowvelder she was not prepared to open a case because it was lot of admin and she was not from this country.
“Such crime happens everywhere in the country. I was unharmed, so there is no need to go through the process of opening a case. They only took my bag that had nothing inside, and I was fortunate that a passer-by rescued me,” she said.
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Meanwhile, a provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, encouraged the public to always report any criminal activities so they can be investigated. It was also important to report all crimes so that they can be added to the statistics and police resources can be allocated where needed.
He said criminals use various methods of spiking and motorists should try to avoid driving over anything lying in the road.
“The new method is the use of cooldrink bottles or cans. They put nails inside. Some use plastic bags to cover the wood that is plugged with nails.
The other method they use is a piece of steel with sharp objects. So it’s best to avoid driving over objects on the road. If motorists do drive over anything affecting their tyres, they should not stop, but drive on and only stop in a safe area or call the nearest police, friend or family member,” he said.
Mdhluli also said anyone caught spiking cars will be duly dealt with.
The Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison spokesperson, Moeti Mmusi, condemned the spiking of cars as this causes unnecessary accidents.
“We are calling on those people who are spiking cars to stop since it’s dangerous. Our roads will soon be full of people going on their holidays, and spiking their tyres will put them all in danger. We will deploy our officers in the hotspot areas, but we need members of the public to report any suspicious activities on the roads,” he said.
Mmusi also encouraged motorists to always drive with caution and to stop only where it is safe to do so.
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