A spiking incident unfolded on the N1 North highway near Pretoria in the early hours of yesterday, leaving the victim shaken but unharmed.

According to police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk, the incident unfolded between 01:55 and 02:10 when members of the Sinoville SAPS were conducting routine patrols and were alerted to the situation.

He said the victim, travelling alone from Johannesburg to Tzaneen, had his journey interrupted when two unknown men allegedly threw stones in front of his vehicle, causing a sudden tyre burst.

“The incident occurred just past the PetroPort filling station offramp. Realising his tyre had been damaged, the victim pulled over to replace it, unaware of the looming threat,” said Van Dyk.

Van Dyk said while changing the tyre, the victim heard strange noises from the nearby bushes but saw no one.

He said as he continued his task, a male suspect emerged, shouting threats and demanding that the victim not run, further escalating the situation.

In a state of fear, the victim fled across the highway and took cover in the bushes.

“While hiding, the victim watched as the suspects rummaged through his vehicle, searching for valuables. After the perpetrators left, the victim returned to his car to find that nothing of value had been stolen, though the vehicle’s tyre had been damaged and his cellphone was missing, likely lost during his escape.”

Despite the ordeal, the victim chose not to open a case, citing the lack of insurance and a desire to replace the damaged tyre on his own.

He was later escorted to the PetroPort filling station, where he contacted family members for assistance.

Van Dyk said no shots were fired, and no injuries were reported.

Spiking/Rocks:

-N4 near Doornpoort Plaza, Pretoria.

-N1 North after Petroport, north of Pretoria. Motorist robbed after stopping to change a tyre.

-N4 between Bronkhorstpruit and eMalahleni: four cars damaged.#CrimeWatch pic.twitter.com/nKGH7BmyTz

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) February 1, 2025

Reporting spiking incidents is crucial, say police

Brigadier Kushie Pietersen, the Acting District Commissioner of Tshwane, has urged all victims of crime to report such incidents at their nearest police station. She emphasised that it helps authorities identify crime hotspots and better target efforts to combat criminal activities.

“Reporting crime is crucial in identifying crime hotspots, enabling law enforcement to implement strategic measures and operational plans to combat criminal activities effectively.”

The police continue to investigate the incident and urge the public to remain vigilant, particularly when travelling along isolated routes.