Is there a new modus operandi for criminals?

Reports of a puppet staged as a body on the N4 have left many wondering if there is a new trend among criminals.

Could this evoke sympathy and prompt drivers to stop?

Also read: Avoid these five spiking hotspots in and around Pretoria

But according to Trans African Concessions (TRAC), this is an old post that is doing rounds.

TRAC’s spokesperson, Solange Soares, said they are aware of the reports but that this is an old post.

“We have no records of this from yesterday. We see that a post is doing the rounds, but it is the same post used a few years ago when the spiking started.

“The last spiking reported to our Helpdesk was on Friday at the Gauteng/Mpumalanga border.”

Several spiking incidents have been reported in Gauteng in the last two weeks.

According to reports, eight vehicles were damaged on Saturday evening on the N4 highway.

Police could not yet confirm these incidents or provide more information.

The motorists are then attacked and robbed.

Last month, a motorist was stabbed to death, and three other passengers were robbed of their belongings after a spiking incident on the N4 on March 31, Sunday.

Spiking incidents are prone to take place on weekends and in the evenings.

A pattern has been established, showing that these ruthless acts of crimes usually happen on weekends and result in unnecessary accidents and loss of life.

Here are the identified hotspots in and around Pretoria:

• The N4 near Donkerhoek
• The N1 north before Hammanskraal exit
• The R21, between OR Tambo International Airport; 
•  The R562, Olifantsfontein;
• N3, Leondale and Barry Marais;
• N17, between Rondebult and Heidelberg Road 

Motorists are advised not to stop when they hit a spike or experience a tyre puncture, especially at night, and should continue to drive slowly to the nearest garage or police station.

ALSO READ: Here are the top four hijacking hotspots in Tshwane

Previously, criminals targeted these areas and roads: 

• The N4 to Rustenburg between R80 Mabopane Freeway and Brits Plaza tollgate.
• The N4 Mpumalanga to Pretoria between Solomon Mahlangu and Watermeyer off-ramp.
• The N4 Pretoria to Mpumalanga between Bronkhorstspruit and Balmoral off-ramp. 
• Golden Highway.
• The N1 Polokwane N4 Mpumalanga interchange in Pretoria.

ALSO READ: Here is where the most sexual assaults and rapes are reported

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