Twelve passengers of a taxi were robbed by a group of unknown men who had spiked their tyres as they were travelling on the N4 near Hectorspruit on Monday December 12 at 01:00.

A provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, has confirmed that the Malalane SAPS is investigating an armed robbery. The taxi was on its way from Gauteng to Mozambique when it drove over something on the road and the front tyres were punctured. Four males emerged from the bushes, one armed, and allegedly robbed the passengers of their belongings, cash and cellphones. The suspects fled afterwards. The passengers discovered the tyres had been punctured by spikes.

No arrests have yet been made. “We are appealing to anyone with information to come forward,” Mdhluli urged.
He also warned motorists to avoid driving over unknown objects in the road, especially on the N4, during this time of the year. “The criminals will target motorists as they are aware that a lot of people are heading home for the festive season. When you come across things on the road, try to avoid them. Don’t even try to remove them, but get away from the scene as soon as possible.”