Spikings on the N12 on the rise again
Upon closer inspection, they discovered multiple large rocks strategically placed across both lanes of the N12.
The N12 highway between the R42 and R50 on-ramps near Delmas, a well-known hotspot for spiking incidents, appears to be active again, as motorists travelling on this stretch are once more being targeted.
On May 23, members of the AfriForum Delmas Valke Proto Team were travelling on the N12 from Etwatwa at night after attempting to trace a stolen vehicle’s tracking signal.
“Despite our efforts, we could locate no signal, and the team returned via the N12 towards Witbank,” said Gino Sansovini, a member of the AfriForum Delmas Valke Proto Team.
“While travelling between the R42 and R50 on-ramps, near the beginning of the notorious bluegum treeline, the members observed a vehicle veering off the road and immediately stopped to investigate.”
Upon closer inspection, they discovered multiple large rocks strategically placed across both lanes of the N12.
“This indicates spiking activity intended to stop vehicles and rob motorists.”
The vehicle struck the rocks, resulting in three burst tyres. The team members called for backup and the Botleng Anti-Hijacking Unit arrived shortly thereafter.
“About 300m from the first scene, we discovered a second vehicle, a Renault Clio, with two burst tyres due to similar rocks placed on the road.”
The team contacted Delmas SAPS and opened a case of attempted hijacking.
Members of AfriForum Delmas Valke remained on the scene to assist the affected motorists until family members arrived to help recover the vehicles.
At approximately 00:12, the team found additional rocks on the roadway, indicating other motorists may have struck the obstacles earlier that evening.
“We launched search efforts to locate the suspects, but the perpetrators fled into dense nearby maize fields,” Sansovini said.
“Do not stop under any circumstances unless necessary. Keep driving to the nearest safe stop. Refrain from driving on the N12 after dark. These suspects are mostly armed and known to rob victims of their belongings,” Sansovini concluded.
