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Incidents of vehicle spiking are on the increase, and people travelling in especially Gauteng need to be aware of this opportunistic crime.
“This is not organised crime syndicates or sophisticated crimes, but rather a situation of desperate people realising motorists at night are isolated soft targets,” says Dr Johan Burger, a senior researcher and policing expert.
Spiking incidents reported almost every night
The desperation and dire social economic state amongst the 11,7 million unemployed South Africans most likely result in these opportunistic crimes.
“When a vehicle comes to a standstill, the attacker can act fast and disappear into the night. There is not much more than jewellery, cash, and cell phones to rob. The concern is that there is an illegal market where these items can be sold,” Burger said.
Martlé Keyter, chief executive officer of the Motor Industry Staff Association (Misa), said vehicle spiking incidents are reported almost every night on road safety WhatsApp groups in Gauteng.
Keyter says Misa’s members and staff often have no alternative but to drive on these roads at night, with incidents becoming more violent. Misa does not see law enforcement authorities taking action to combat these incidents. This is a big concern for the union representing more than 64 000 members in the retail motor industry.
‘Do not stop if you hit an object’
Apart from spikes, rocks are also placed on the roads, and in isolated cases even clothing to resemble a person on the road.
The Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire share some valuable safety advice aimed at preventing motorist falling victim to such crimes:
- These spiking incidents are predominantly taking place at night; avoid travelling at night if possible.
- Should you need to travel at night, be vigilant and reduce your speed to allow better visibility of the road ahead.
- Do not stop if you hit an object, reduce speed, and try and drive as far as possible to the nearest place of safety where you can pull over and get assistance.
- If rocks block the road, try to turn around as quickly as possible, without stopping. Do not get out of the vehicle to try and move the rocks out of the way.
- Keep the vehicle’s doors locked at all times.
The Gauteng Traffic Police also share safety advice. Sello Maremane, spokesperson, says the modus operandi is that these criminals move from one area to the other where the roads are quiet to rob motorists.
- These incidents happen especially on Friday evening and throughout the weekend between 18:00 and 04:00.
- The following safety tips are to be followed as a precaution when a vehicle has been spiked:
- Never stop your vehicle if you had a puncture while spiked, instead drive slowly to the nearest garage while contacting the Gauteng Traffic Police.
- If your vehicle has had a complete break down on the road, remain in the vehicle with your car locked while seeking assistance.
- Do not allow any person to tow your vehicle without written permission.
- If you are stopped by a traffic officer, demand to see their appointment certificate to verify if such an officer is employed by the relevant traffic authority. In case the officer fails to produce his or her appointment certificate, take down the registration number of the patrol vehicle and report them immediately to the nearest police station.
- Members of the public are advised to report objects placed on roads, whether it be spikes, rocks, clothing, or another object. Only then accurate statistics of this crime can be compiled.
Useful numbers when driving in Gauteng:
Dial 0800 BAKWENA / 0800 2259362 should you come across any objects along the Bakwena N1-N4 route or require assistance.
Bela Bela SAPS: 014-736-9700/61
Pienaarsrivier SAPS: 012-722-0000
Hammanskraal SAPS: 012-432-8787
Sinoville SAPS: 012-543-8836
Silverton SAPS: 012-841-7551
Akasia SAPS: 012-564-0700
Brits SAPS: 012-381-6077/78
Tshwane Metro Police Department: 012-358-7095/6
– Source: Arrive Alive / arrivealive.co.za
