Criminal gangs operating on the N4 has escalated from robbery to murder in their ongoing blitz on motorists.

The gangs that employ spikes to force motorists driving over them to a dead stop, after which they are robbed, is exclusively responsible for the death of Columbus employee, Ms Faith Shabangu, who was struck and killed by another motorists while fleeing from the robbers.

The tragic accident happened in the early morning hours of March 20th.

She was struck by a Nissan bakkie after running across the highway in an effort to escape her assailants.

Mr Musa Shabangu, husband of the deceased, told www.mobserver.co.za that his wife was driving from eMalahleni to work when she reportedly had a flat tire after driving over “spike-strips”.

As the car came to a halt, a bewildered Mrs Shabangu attempted to flee the scene, running onto the highway.

That’s when she was struck by the bakkie.

Despite her grave injuries, the criminals helped themselves to the victim’s cellphones, car keys and handbag.

The owner of the bakkie that struck Ms Shabangu, told the Middelburg Police that he saw a woman but could not apply his brakes in time.

Mr Shabangu, who shared a seven-month-old baby with his late wife told www.mobserver.co.za that he received a call from Columbus around 06:50, informing him that Ms Shabangu was absent from work.

He tried to call the tracking company in order to locate his wife’s vehicle.

Panicking, he then decided to drive to the N4 to look  for his wife. Mr Shabangu said he found his wife’s unlocked car abandoned on the side of the road.

His wife was nowhere to be found on the scene.

An eyewitness informed him of the tragedy a short while later.

He then went to the Middelburg Police Station to open a missing person’s case.

Ms Shabangu’s body was later found at the Middelburg State Mortuary.

An inquest docket has been opened with the Middelburg Police, which will allow a magistrate to determine charges, which may include culpable homicide or even murder, as the felony was committed in the commissioning of a crime.

The assailants are, however, still at large.

Police have asked the public to assist with information that can lead to the arrest of the culprits.

Motorists are urged to stay vigilant while travelling on the N4.