Suspect shot, killed in Akasia spike attack

A so-called “spike robbery” on the R80 highway near Akasia was foiled when a motorist reportedly shot and killed one of three would-be robbers on Friday night, September 17.

This came after the three armed men attacked a family whose car had run over spikes on the road around 21:00.

One of the car’s wheels got punctured on the spikes and the driver pulled off to the side of the road, said police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo.

“It is alleged that as the driver was changing the tyre, with the wife standing on the side, when they were attacked by three armed men who shot at them,” said Masondo.

“The husband shot back and one suspect was hit in the upper body while the other two fled on foot.”

Masondo said members of the flying squad, who were part of Operation O Kae Molao conducted in Akasia and Ga-Rankuwa, responded swiftly to the scene.

“A replica firearm was recovered at the scene, next to the wounded suspect who was later certified dead by paramedics.”

Police have launched a manhunt for the other two suspects who escaped from the scene.

“We urge motorists driving on R80 highway to be cautious, especially when driving at night,” said Masondo.

“Police have stabilised the incidents of car spiking in Gauteng roads that were on the increase, especially on the N4 highway and R566 road.”

He said a “crime pattern analysis” showed that as soon as identified hotspots were mitigated with increased visibility of law enforcement and security partners, then criminals either changed their modus operandi or moved to another location.

“If motorists suspect that their tyre punctures are as a result of having driven over spikes, they must immediately alert the police by calling the SAPS emergency number: 10111,” Masondo advised.

“They must scan their immediate environment and stay vigilant while changing a tyre next to the road. If motorists feel unsafe, especially at night, they must try to drive to the nearest filling station or police station.”