N4 east riddled with spikes
A group of robbers stabbed the motorist in the back before taking off with his personal belongings. This was the third incident in less than two weeks.
Criminals used spikes to force motorists on the N4 highway to stop their vehicles and rob them in three separate incidents this month.
In one incident, a man was stabbed in the back by the robbers and he had to walk to the nearby tollgate to get help.
On Tuesday, a man and his passengers were robbed on the highway close to the west off-ramp, when he had to stop because of flat tyres.
The incident took place at around 22:30.
“When he stopped by the side of the road, the man was approached by six men,” said to police spokesperson Constable Munyadziwa Ramovha.
“They forced the passengers at gunpoint to get out of the vehicle and lie down on the ground. The suspects then searched the victims and the vehicle, robbing them of their cash and cellphones.”
READ MORE: Metro police warn of sharp-spikes-in-the-road crimes on highways
On 12 February at around 22:00 another motorist was driving on the N4 highway into the direction of Bronkhorstspruit after Diamond Hill toll plaza when he also had to stop because of spikes placed in the road.
When checking the tyres, three men approached him demanding he hand over his belongings.
“One of them had a firearm while the other two had knives,” said Ramovha.
They took a cellphone, a tool bag, leather wallet, a flash drive, earphones and brand name sunglasses.
One of the robbers stabbed the motorist in the back, but he managed to walk to the tollgate for assistance, while the robbers took off on foot.
“In both cases no shots were fired,” Ramovha said.
No arrests have been made.
“We would like to warn motorists to be more alert while driving on the N4, especially at night,” she said.
“Motorists must also not stop for any hitchhikers.
“If you have to stop for whatever reason, please check your surroundings before getting out of your vehicle.”
Another incident was reported on 19 February in the same area, near the Diamond Hill toll plaza.
She urged anyone with information about these robberies to contact the Bronkhorstspruit police station on 013-932-9222.
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