There were several reports of spiking incidents in Pretoria this weekend, with armed assailants targeting motorists in the region.

While SAPS has not responded to Pretoria Rekord’s media enquiries, several emergency response organisations reported incidents on the N1, N4 and N14.

N4, Watermeyer off-ramp, attempted hijacking

Last night, motorists were attacked on the roadside in an attempted hijacking on the N4 at the Watermeyer off-ramp.

According to information reported by NPC Pretoria Live Traffic and Road Incidents, the victims stopped to relieve themselves next to the road. They were then allegedly  beaten by four men and threatened with a firearm.

The suspects stole the victims’ wallets, cellphones, and keys, but left the vehicle on the side of the road.

Responders used drones with thermal technology to search for the robbers.

Live Traffic advises motorists to drive with caution, avoid stopping on dark roads, and use facilities at the nearest petrol station instead of the roadside.

Spiking on the N1, between Stormvoël and Zambezi off-ramps

Last night, Live Traffic reported a spiking incident at 20:50 between the Stormvoël and Zambezi off-ramps.

The organisation said that SAPS, the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD), and emergency responders were at the scene and the victims were not harmed.

Spiking on the N14 in Centurion, near Jean Avenue

At 19:35 on Friday, two vehicles were spiked on the Ben Schoeman Freeway near the Jean Avenue off-ramp.

Live Traffic said the motorists were not harmed.

Armed robbery, N14, Centurion near R114

Shortly after two vehicles were spiked, a man was shot dead when he and his girlfriend were robbed at gunpoint near the R114 off-ramp on the N14.

According to a report by Live Traffic, the victim stopped on the side of the road and was approached by armed men.

Live Traffic said emergency responders tried to save the man’s life, but pronounced him dead on the scene.

Spiking on the N4, near the R80

Live Traffic reported that a woman was spiked on her way to Wonderboom South on Friday night at 19:20.

The victim was not harmed in the incident. According to Live Traffic, the woman reported that a set of ‘retractable spikes’ was on the road.

Spiking, N4, Bronkhorstspruit

On Friday night, Live traffic reported a spiking incident on the N4 near the Bosmankraal off-ramp in the direction of Bronkhorstspruit.

The incident was reported to Live Traffic just after 21:00 by a Bronkhorstspruit resident.

The organisation said the motorists were not harmed.

According to TMPD spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba, there are several hotspots around the city:

• N4 Highway eastbound between Wonderboom and Bronkhorstspruit
• N4 Highway westbound between Doornpoort Toll Plaza and Brits Toll Plaza
• Mabopane Highway between Es’kia Mphahlele Drive and Ruth First Road
• N1 Highway between Carousel and Maubane Bridge

While spiking incidents do occur in daylight, most happen when visibility is limited.

Mahamba says the perpetrators:

• Block the roadway with rocks, forcing motorists to divert and fall into a trap
• Randomly throw rocks on the road
• Throw sharp objects that damage tyres onto the road
• Put spikes on the road

“Motorists are advised to avoid driving during late hours unless unavoidable,” he says.

“Report all incidents to the police. Should a vehicle get spiked, motorists are advised not to stop and proceed until reaching a safe place, which may be the nearest petrol station or police station.”