TMPD releases lists of vehicle spiking hotspots
The City of Tshwane has increased police visibility on freeways that have been identified as hotspots for vehicle spiking.
Tshwane metro police officers, members of the SAPS, and other law enforcement agencies have been deployed in these areas to deal with the crime, the city said in a statement on Friday.
Spiking incidents in Pretoria have risen over the past few weeks, with vehicles, including ambulances and police vehicles, driving over spikes on certain freeways.
Once a vehicle is spiked, the occupants are robbed of their belongings and even assaulted.
"Several vehicles were assisted before they could be robbed after spiking. Furthermore, pedestrians found on highways are searched and removed from highways," read a statement by the TMPD.
"Motorists are advised to avoid driving during late hours unless unavoidable".
The statement identified the following areas as spike hotspots in the city :
- N4 Highway eastbound between Wonderboom and Bronkhorstspruit
- N4 Highway westbound between Doornpoort Toll Plaza and Brits Toll Plaza
- Mabopane Highway between Es’kia Mphahlele Drive and Ruth First Road
- N1 Highway between Carousel and Maubane Bridge
TMPD says spiking incidents can occur in daylight, mostly when visibility is limited.
The modus operandi includes the following:
• Blocking the roadway with rocks, which ultimately forces motorists to divert and fall
into a trap.
• Randomly throwing rocks onto the road
• Throwing sharp objects onto the roadway that may damage vehicle tyres
• Putting spikes on the road
ALSO READ:
