Motorists are advised to be vigilant on the road due to the increase in tyre spike incidents.
24 incidents have been reported between April 1 and May 28. Affected areas include, Middelburg on the N4, Bethal, Kendall and Belfast. On the N12, Phola/Ogies near Arbor off ramp, Delmas, Bronkorstspruit towards eMalahleni on the N4. Dellville Street in the CBD in eMalahleni, Verena Road, R555 Old Ogies Road. On the R40, Culcutta, Marite, Acornhoek and Matsikitsane areas.
“Motorists are cautioned to be vigilant in all the areas within the province as criminals are eager to carry out this bad deed on a daily basis. The modus operandi of the suspects is that they place objects on the road such as spikes, slabs, bricks as well as large rocks covered in a plastic to trap motorists. These incidents usually occur late in the evening or early hours of the morning.
“Once motorists drive over these objects, tyres get punctured or their vehicles damaged in the process, so they are forced to stop and inspect their vehicles. While doing so, the suspects then violently approach and rob them of their valuables such as cellphones, laptops, clothing items, cameras, firearms, jewellery as well as cash.”
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According to police, it was also established that in most of these cases, the suspects are armed with firearms. Acting Commissioner Major General Phahla has urged motorists to be wary of these trends and be vigilant on the road.
