Spike gang havoc continues on N4 highway

As previously reported, the spiking cases are gaining momentum on a daily basis.

May 20, 2021

Eliot Mahlase 2 minutes read

The so-called spike gang have continued to terrorise motorists on the N4 highway despite an “intensified highway patrol unit”.

This past weekend, a number of spiking cases were reported at Boschkop and Garsfontein police stations.

“As previously reported, the spiking cases are gaining momentum on a daily basis, and more police have been deployed at all the problematic roads to deal with the crimes committed,” said Boschkop police spokesperson Sergeant Yeroboam Mbatsane.

“Several cases were reported at our station recently, where vehicles were spiked and some of them were robbed.”

Mbatsane said no arrests have been made so far.

This week, an audio clip made rounds where a man is heard claiming that the gang executed eight robberies last Thursday night on the old Bronkhorstspruit Road.

In a six-minute clip, the man can be heard giving tips on what to do when driving along the highway at night.

“First of all, if you are 400 or 500 metres away, they would throw the spikes into the road. The best thing to do if you are travelling at night is to travel about 100m behind a car in front of you in the same lane,” he said.

Mbatsane said he was aware of the audio clip but could not provide further details about it.

“Again we would like to alert motorists to avoid driving at night if possible. Avoid driving over any objects placed on the road, it doesn’t matter if it’s a plastic bag or card box,” he said.

“If for some reason, you find yourself in a situation where you have to use the highway or the old Bronkhorstspruit Road, contact the Boschkop police on 071-675-7350 or 012-802-8201.

He urged motorists to send a live pin location to families and local security groups.

AfriForum safety co-ordinator Llewellyn Hemmens said the spiking gang had caused a lot of headaches for motorists, especially those travelling on the N4 towards eMalahleni.

He said that the network community in Bronkhorstspruit and surrounding areas had to jump in and do something after the number of reported robberies escalated in the past few months.

“We have a 24-hour emergency number/standby number which will reach the AfriForum neighbourhood watch which is available to assist.”

Hemmens said in some cases, five robberies were reported in one night.

“This is why the networking community came together because we understand that the police and metro police can’t be everywhere. They also need assistance and so far, we received about 300-400 calls since we came up with the standby number,” he said.

Previously, it was reported that the gang travel in one vehicle and usually park 100 metres away from where they place the spikes.

Hemmens however said that the criminals were adapting and were now using two vehicles.

“Previously, victims will continue to drive even after hitting the spikes. This time around, there’s a secondary vehicle the criminals are using which will follow you around.”