Incidents of hijackings and robberies on busy national roads such as the N4 and N12, are increasing.

Armed criminals have on multiple occasions brought vehicles to a standstill by puncturing their tyres with caltrops (spikes on the road) and robbed occupants at gunpoint.

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Appealing to motorists, the acting provincial commissioner of SAPS, Maj Gen Thulani Phahla, warned that criminals use tyre spikes thrown onto the busy roads at night and then rob unsuspecting motorists who stop to fix or change their damaged tyres.

“I want to strongly appeal to motorists to remain vigilant when on the road, particularly when driving in the evening or early in the morning as that is when they are targeted,” said Phahla.

To date, a total of 24 spike incidents have been recorded by the Mpumalanga police since April 1.

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Affected areas include Middelburg, Belfast, Bethal, Kendall, Phola/ Ogies on the N12 near the Arbor off-ramp, Delmas on the N12 and Bronkorstspruit towards eMalahleni.

This trend also reared its head in Calcutta on the R40 around Marite and Acornhoek at Matsikitsane.

“The modus operandi used by the criminals is to place objects on the road such as tyre spikes, slabs, bricks and large rocks covered in plastic to trap motorists. These incidents usually occur late in the evening or the early hours of the morning. Once motorists drive over these objects, their tyres get punctured or their vehicles damaged in the process and are forced to stop. While doing so, the suspects then violently approach and rob them of valuables, such as cell phones, laptops, clothing items, cameras, firearms, jewellery and money. It has also been established that in most of these cases, the suspects were armed,” warned Phahla.

He further urged the public to try and limit late-night driving.

Safety tips when spiked

• Reduce speed to below 50 kilometres per hour, but keep on driving.
• You will likely lose the tyres and rims, but be able to keep your possessions and body safe.
• While driving, call the police on 10111 and TRACN4 on 0800-872-264.
• Your current location is key to any response.
• Keep the above emergency numbers handy