Man fighting for his life after ambush shooting on N4 near Brits

A 49-year-old man is fighting for his life in a Johannesburg hospital after being shot by robbers on the N4 highway near Brits on Friday night.

The victim, identified as Neil Coetzer, was ambushed by armed men after his vehicle was forced to stop by a rock barricade placed by the criminals.

According to reports, Neil was driving from Rustenburg to Pretoria when his bakkie hit a rock barricade placed by the robbers around 20:30.

The vehicle’s tyre was damaged. Neil drove a bit further until he could get out to change the tyre.

His brother Jacques Coetzer told the media that, according to Neil, he was busy changing the tyre when four armed men suddenly appeared behind him.

The men started shooting immediately.

It is believed Neil started running, with the wheel spanner still in his hand.

Two of the armed men chased after him. At one point, Neil turned around and hit one with the spanner, and then the other one shot him in the chest.

Jacques told the media that Neil kept running while trying to stop vehicles, but motorists just drove past him.

Meanwhile, Kobus Grobler from Aequitas Security and GPF members were already on their way to the scene after receiving information from Anglo American’s Tactical Response unit that a helicopter had spotted a motorist, who was likely led into an ambush, on the N4.

GPF members learnt that a helicopter had spotted suspects in the bushes and requested backup through the N4 emergency group.

Shortly thereafter, residents reported hearing gunshots and posted updates in the group.

While driving on the N4, the members saw a man run into the road, narrowly avoiding them. They then noticed a vehicle further down the highway and realised it could be the victim.

Covered in blood, the man identified himself as the one who had been shot, prompting the members to call for additional backup.

Police were quick on the scene, and emergency services were called. Due to the severity of his gunshot wound, Neil was flown to a Johannesburg hospital by emergency helicopter.

Two of the attackers were arrested.

Neil’s shoulder is broken, nerves are damaged, and some of his ribs are crushed. He had an operation and doctors will decide if further surgery is needed to repair his nerves. He can lift his arm slightly but can’t use his hand. Some of the drainage pipes have already been removed from his chest. He is in a stable condition in the intensive care unit.

While Pretoria Rekord contacted SAPS for comment, they could not confirm the incident or provide  information.

Several spiking incidents in and around Pretoria have been reported weekly this year.

Tips from a private investigator

Private investigator Mike Bolhuis previously explained the modus operandi road criminals use.

He said criminals also use concrete lintels and place them across the road.

“It is almost impossible for the driver to see this as it is too far away and too dark.”

Bolhuis said there are usually two groups involved in this type of crime.

“The spiking group and the stopper group or the robbers.

“The second group waits about 50m to 150m away from the place where the spiking takes place.”

Bolhuis warned that criminals also hang rocks and bricks at windscreen height from bridges, to make vehicles to stop.

He suggested that motorists avoid driving alone at night.

“Ensure that your cellphone is charged to its maximum and, if possible, share your live location with a family member or friend.”

Bolhuis added that motorists should avoid secluded and unlit roads and highways in and around the city at night.

“Never drive over a plastic bag or a cardboard box in the road. Drive approximately 100m to 200m metres behind another car in the same lane.

“Travel at a reasonable speed – that will allow you to swerve out of the way and avoid the spikes.”

He urged motorists to stay calm if they drive over spikes.

“Stay calm and do not stop. Continue driving, but reduce speed if need be. Do not panic if you hear the metal of your car’s rims or even see sparks.”

According to Bolhuis, it is less dangerous to proceed at 40km/hour than it is to stop.

“Further down the road, you might be able to take an off-ramp or stop at a tollgate or a garage where you can make an emergency call or ask for help.”

Spiking hotspots in and around Pretoria

The current spiking hotspots in and around Pretoria are:

• N4 West in Akasia to Brits
• N4 East to Bronkhorspruit
• N1 from Midrand to Carousel Plaza
• Ben Schoeman Road from Midrand to Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre
• N1 ‘South’ from Naturena to Vaal River.
• R80 Mabopane Freeway from Eskia Mphahlele Road to Soshanguve.