The Gauteng Traffic Police says it will be intensifying undercover law enforcement operations on major routes and freeways.
This follows a rise in incidents of spikes placed on roads by criminals causing tyre punctures.
The department says the tactic is used on quiet roads to rob motorists of their belongings once they stop.
Speaking to Kaya 959 Traffic, Sello Maremane says anyone found placing an object will face the full might of the law.
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Gauteng Traffic Police warn motorists against criminals placing spikes on public roads Natasha
Meanwhile, hard objects were in recent times thrown from overhead bridges resulting in motorists losing control of their vehicles, involved in unnecessary accidents and robbed of their belongings in the process.
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The following routes have been identified as hotspots for such crimes:
- The N4 Mpumalanga to Pretoria between Solomon Mahlangu and Watermeyer Offramp.
- The N4 Pretoria to Mpumalanga between Bronkhorstspruit and Balmoral offramp.
- The N1 Polokwane N4 Mpumalanga interchange in Pretoria.
- The N4 to Rustenburg between R80 Mabopane Freeway and Brits plaza tollgate.
- Golden Highway.
- R21 Freeway from OR Tambo International Airport to Pretoria.

The modus operandi is that these criminals move from one area to the other where the roads are quiet to rob motorists of their hard-earned cash and other belongings. These incidents happen especially on Friday evening and throughout the weekend between 18:00 and 04h00 in the morning.
The following safety tips are to be followed as a precaution when a vehicle has been spiked:
Sello Maremane had the following safety tips for Kaya 959 readers, listen to the podcast below:
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Gauteng Traffic Police warn motorists against criminals placing spikes on public roads Natasha
- Never stop your vehicle if you suspect a puncture due to spikes, instead drive slowly to the nearest garage while contacting Gauteng Traffic Police.
- 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.
- If your vehicle has had a complete breakdown 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.
- Should you realise that another motorist has been spiked in your presence kindly stop and give the necessary assistance.
“The placing of spikes has resulted in many road users involved in unwarranted accidents and some even losing their lives through these ruthless acts. The Gauteng Traffic Police will continue to conduct law enforcement operations on Gauteng’s major routes and freeways to ensure that anyone found placing an object is apprehended and face the full might of the law,” said Sello Maremane, Gauteng Traffic Police Spokesperson.
Motorists are urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious movements on our freeways to our Gauteng Traffic Department’s radio control room at 011 689 3712 or 011 689 3999 alternatively, they can contact the police at 0800 10111.
Also read: 1000 Gauteng residents arrested over the weekend, 150 for drunk driving



