More motorists were saved from robbers during spiking incidents on the Bakwena N4 last week after asking for help on dedicated WhatsApp groups.

On Thursday night, a Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) officer drove over spikes on the N4 near the Ga-Rankuwa off-ramp at De Wildt. A request for help was placed on the N4 Bakwena Spiking Panic Button WhatsApp group.

A team consisting of security companies, TMPD and private individuals responded speedily and could assist the officer before he became a robbery victim.

On the same night, a mother and children drove over spikes on the Bakwena N4 near the Doornpoort toll plaza and placed a panic call on the group. Again a number of teams responded and assisted the family before they were harmed.

Also read: N4 spiking incidents: WhatsApp groups save victims

Tshwane mayoral committee member for health Rina Marx last week placed a post on the roleplayers’ operations group, thanking them and calling them ‘heroes in action’.

“In the face of danger, heroes emerged on the N4 Bakwena highway. Two spiking incidents put lives at risk, but a co-ordinated response from top-notch teams ensured the safety of all involved. A massive thank you goes out to the swift response teams that sprung into action. Their prompt and professional response turned a potentially disastrous situation into a testament to teamwork and dedication. The N4 Bakwena highway incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of community and vigilance,” Marx said.

The groups, started by De Wildt and Brits responders, have assisted a number of spiking victims before robbers could pounce in the past weeks. A single group that was started in March has now grown to 18 groups with almost 20 000 members. The groups are solely for motorists who become victims of spiking and need help.