Motorists must remain vigilant along the N4 after a tyre spiking incident near the Bethal offramp last night left a couple shaken but safe.

According to Middelburg Observer, the incident happened at about 20:30. One front tyre was punctured, and a brake pipe broke as the driver continued to steer safely off the highway towards Middelburg on Samora Machel Road.

Quick thinking prevents ambush

Thanks to quick thinking, he avoided stopping immediately, preventing a potential ambush by spiking gangs, which over the years have attacked dozens of motorists after they pulled over to change tyres. Some of those attacks have resulted in serious injuries and robberies.

Assistance and safety

The couple eventually stopped safely near the King Nyabela Hospital turn-off, where the Middelburg Dagpatrollie assisted them until the vehicle was towed in. Both were shaken by the ordeal but unharmed.

Warning to motorists

Motorists are urged to report tyre spiking incidents immediately and avoid stopping in isolated areas if they drive over spikes or other hazards on the road. The golden rule is to keep driving, even if there is damage to the vehicle or tyres.

• After the spiking near the Bethal offramp was reported on the Spikings Alzu to N4/N12 Petroport WhatsApp group, other motorists alerted the group that rocks had also been placed on the N4 Pretoria to eMalahleni highway near Kusile, where three lanes merge into two.

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