More N4 spike-trap-related arrests expected

The police are expecting more arrests related to the recent increase in spike-traps across the roads in Tshwane.

“More arrests are expected to be made,” police spokesperson, Captain Matthews Nkoadi, said.

This after one man was arrested for unlawful possession of two unlicensed firearms and ammunition at one of the identified hotspots along the N1 and N4 interchange last week.

“The man was spotted in a nearby hiding spot by members of the SAPS highway patrol unit,” he said.

“He was pursued on foot until he was cornered and arrested.”

Further investigations were said to be underway to establish whether or not he could be linked to other crimes which had been committed along the roads in Tshwane.

The spike-traps were placed along highways and bi-ways in Tshwane to hijack, rob and reportedly kill unsuspecting motorists with most incidents occurring along Soutpan Road, the R566, N4 Rustenburg bound and N4 Witbank bound.

“Heightened crime prevention operations are conducted daily in an attempt to eradicate attacks on motorists, cyclists and all road-users around Tshwane,” Nkoadi said.

“The intensified crime combatting initiatives would continue to be conducted and will target identified hotspots around the Tshwane area.”

He urged motorists not to stop in unsafe areas in the evening when they get a puncture or minor breakdown, but to rather drive to the nearest police station or safe area.

Nkoadi called on community members who had information that could lead to the arrest of such perpetrators to come forth and share information anonymously on the MySAPS app.

Meanwhile, Tshwane SAPS district commissioner, Major General Hilda Mohajane, said they remained resolute in closing the net on all criminals.

“Clandestine suspect tracing and tracking operations are underway and we are hopeful that they will yield positive results. We would like to promise our motorists safer journeys across the length and breadth of Tshwane.”

Earlier this week, Amelia Visser said her son was a victim of a spike-trap incident near the Bronkhorstspruit/Equestria off-ramp earlier this year.

“Three men robbed him and he was stabbed with a knife,” she said.

“The knife went through one of his lungs. He was in ICU for five days,” Visser said.

Last week, Pretoria North police spokesperson, Sergeant Tsakani Miyen, warned motorists about the crime trend which had become a problem in her policing precinct.

“Motorists should be on high alert as this crime trend is escalating,” she said.

Miyen said most of the criminals behind this crime appeared to be operating along the N4 highway, near the R556 off-ramp towards Rosslyn.

“As soon as you get a puncture, these criminals approach you and steal your belongings,” she said.

Miyen advised motorists to avoid travelling at night, make use of alternative routes and avoid speeding.