Spiking robberies in Mpumalanga are on the increase

According to the police, numerous motorists recently fell victim to spiking on the N4 and N12 highways.

After the sharp increase in Mpumalanga, the police issued a warning to motorists.

Hotspot-routes identified are the N4 Pretoria to Mpumalanga between the Bronkhorstspruit and Balmoral off-ramp, as well as the N12 between Delmas and eMalahleni (Witbank).

Capt Carla Hartley, spokesperson for the Delmas Police, told Streeknuus that spikers specifically target the stretch of road between the Delmas R42 and R50 off ramps on the N12.

The police therefore urge motorists to treat any unusual objects on the road as dangerous and to avoid driving over any object they come across.

In the Bronkhorstspruit / Balmoral area, the culprits make use of plastic bags, boxes and even food wrappers to disguise sharp objects.

According to Capt Hartley, the robbers in the Delmas area make use of stones, which they place on the road surface.

This modus operandi is used by robbers to force motorists to stop when they have a flat tyre, only to be robbed of their belongings.

Here are some tips on what to do if spikes or stones on the road damage your vehicle:

– Never stop your vehicle if you do get a puncture; instead, put on your hazards and drive slowly to the nearest garage or safe place. Immediately contact the police, local security company, Community Policing Forum or your local neighbourhood watch.

– If your vehicle has had a complete breakdown on the road, remain in the vehicle with your car doors locked while seeking assistance.

– Do not allow any person to tow your vehicle without written permission.

– Should you see that another motorist has been spiked, do not stop, as you are likely to become the next victim, report the incident to the nearest police station.

-Plan your road trips ahead and avoid driving in hotspot areas during the night.

-Do not drive over any objects and if you do, do not stop until you reach a safe well-lit area.

-Take note of vehicles that are following you.

According to the police, spikers usually operate in groups of two to four people with a getaway vehicle waiting nearby.
Capt Hartley confirmed that the spikers are mostly armed and dangerous. “Do not confront the robbers, give them what they ask for. Your life is worth more than your belongings.”