An ambulance rushing to an emergency in Soshanguve fell victim to a suspected spiking trap on the R80 near the Wonderpark off-ramp on Monday evening, leaving its shaken crew stranded and the vehicle severely damaged.

According to Leané McMaster from Promed Ambulance Services, the ambulance was en route to a case in the Soshanguve area and was using the R80 highway.

“At around 18:56, the crew reported that they had a flat tyre and initially thought it was just a puncture. They couldn’t stop immediately, so they continued driving until they could go no further.

“It was then that they noticed the entire tyre had come off the rim and it became clear that spikes had been used, as there were visible marks on the tyre.”

She said it happened so quickly that they didn’t even see anything in the road ahead.

“The incident took place on the R80, at the Wonderpark off-ramp heading north. By 19:00, all necessary services had been notified and were en route to the scene.”

McMaster added that police and security services investigated the area, but unfortunately, no suspects were caught.

“Both of our ambulance crew members were thankfully unharmed and sustained no injuries. They were, however, in deep shock.

“It could have been so much worse! Fortunately, the driver managed to maintain control of the ambulance.”

Earlier this year, victims have reported an alarming new modus operandi targeting spiking incidents on roads in and around Pretoria. 

It is believed that armed robbers throw spikes out of their car windows 

Spiking hotspots in and around Pretoria:

• The R21, between OR Tambo International Airport;
• N4 towards Pretoria, Donkerhoek area
• The R562, Olifantsfontein, N3, Leondale and Barry Marais
• N17 between Rondebult and Heidelberg Road

Motorists are advised not to stop when they suspect they have become a spiking victim, especially at night, instead should drive on slowly to the nearest garage or police station.

Previously, these areas and roads were targeted:

 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: Spikings continue despite police operations

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