Spiking threat persists as two cars damaged near Paxton
Two motorists narrowly escaped danger at dawn after their vehicles were spiked along the pothole-ridden stretch of road between the abattoir and the airfield.
Motorists in eMalahleni are on high alert following two vehicle spiking incidents near Witbank Correctional Centre (Paxton) early yesterday (September 1).
The first vehicle suffered damage to its front left tyre just after the turn at the abattoir.
A second vehicle was hit shortly afterwards, damaging its front right tyre on the pothole-riddled stretch of road between the abattoir and the airfield.
‘It was still dark’
One of the victims, who wished to remain anonymous, described the ordeal as terrifying.
“It was just before 06:00, and it was still dark. As we know, the road is not really a proper road; we have to be mindful of potholes. There were stones on the road, which I think I hit, and my tyre was drastically damaged. I didn’t stop as I was near the prison. I just drove further for my safety. I am grateful I wasn’t driving at high speed because it could have been a different story,” she said.
Motorists have voiced growing concern about the poor state of the road, saying potholes make it easier for criminals to target drivers as driving straight is nearly impossible.
READ MORE: Authorities urge motorists to remain alert following spiking surge on N4
Police advice for drivers
Witbank SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer David Ratau urged drivers to exercise caution and outlined safety measures.
“Drivers are advised not to stop immediately if their vehicle is spiked, but instead continue driving slowly to the nearest safe, well-lit area or police station. If you can’t drive any further, get out of the car, take some of your valuable items, lock the car and go and hide by lying flat somewhere possible with no torch. It can be on the opposite roadside by the bushes,” Ratau said.
Police further advised motorists to remain alert at night, avoid pulling over on isolated stretches of road and report suspicious activity or spiked objects immediately.
Local community policing forums have encouraged motorists to share information about incidents to help authorities track patterns and respond quickly.
Motorists travelling along the N4 and N12 highways near eMalahleni are being informed of spiking incidents, which have occurred repeatedly throughout 2025
— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) December 22, 2025
Read more here: https://t.co/kQQjxmOolq#WitbankNews #emalahleni #spiking
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