Gauteng motorists are being warned to stay on high alert after a sharp rise in road spiking incidents, which are leaving vehicles disabled and drivers vulnerable to attack. The latest spate occurred on the N4 Eastbound between Silverlakes and Donkerhoek, where rocks deliberately placed on the road caused multiple flat tyres.
Road Spiking on the Rise
The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) said the trend is growing dangerously, particularly at night, with opportunistic attackers targeting isolated drivers. According to MISA, experts suggest these crimes are opportunistic, with attackers exploiting the vulnerability of isolated drivers, particularly at night.
As the South African Police Service continues to urge motorists to be vigilant, MISA is calling on authorities to step up safety measures immediately, stressing that commuters’ lives are at stake. The latest attack comes less than five weeks after a MISA employee was targeted in a similar spiking incident on an N14 onramp in Krugersdorp, where objects were placed in her path.
Consequences of Road Spiking
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s chief executive officer of operations, expressed deep concern over the escalating crisis. Keyter said the union is alarmed by the escalation of these incidents because it has now become the norm. The consequences of road spiking can be severe, including damage to vehicles, injury to drivers, and even loss of life.
Some of the key concerns surrounding road spiking include:
- Increased risk of attack and robbery
- Danger to drivers and passengers
- Damage to vehicles and property
- Disruption to traffic and commute times
MISA commended law enforcement for increased visibility on roads, particularly under the leadership of Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, but the organisation appealed for more focused action to address the rising number of road spiking incidents.
