Cases of spiking the road to force motorists to stop are on the rise in Gauteng. This new type of crime seems to be springing up across the province as criminals target motorists at night. Crime Activist Yusuf Abramjee, spoke to #eNCA. #NewsLink #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/B5YaJVbZl4
— eNCA (@eNCA) January 6, 2025
In recent times, a disturbing trend has emerged on the roads of Gauteng, South Africa, where criminals are employing a new tactic to target unsuspecting motorists. This method, known as road spiking, involves placing sharp objects on roadways to force vehicles to stop due to tire damage, making drivers vulnerable to robbery and other crimes. This issue was recently highlighted by eNCA, a prominent news channel, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on January 6, 2025, at 11:50 UTC, shedding light on the increasing frequency of these incidents particularly at night.
The Growing Problem of Road Spiking
According to the eNCA report, road spiking incidents are on the rise across Gauteng, with criminals strategically placing spikes or other obstructions like stones on roads to puncture vehicle tires. This forces drivers to halt in potentially unsafe conditions, where they become easy targets for robbery. Crime activist Yusuf Abramjee discussed this growing menace on eNCA, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and preventive measures. The report also included visuals from the eNCA broadcast, illustrating the seriousness of the situation with images of spiked roads and affected motorists.
Safety Tips for Motorists
In response to this alarming trend, here are some safety tips for drivers to reduce the risk of falling victim to road spiking:
Continue Driving if Spiked: If you suspect your vehicle has been spiked, continue driving to a safer, well-lit area or a police station if possible. Your life is more valuable than any damage to your vehicle. As suggested by a user on X, even driving on a rim might be safer than stopping immediately.
Use Technology: Utilize apps like Waze, which can provide real-time alerts from other users about road obstructions, potentially warning you before you encounter a spike.
Increase Police Presence: There’s a call for more police visibility on highways, as noted by several X users, to deter these crimes. Often, long stretches of road go unpatrolled, which criminals exploit.
Stay Vigilant: Always be on the lookout for unusual objects on the road, especially in known hotspots. Maintain a safe distance from the car in front to allow for maneuvering if necessary.
Community and Government Response
The community’s response has been one of shock and concern, with many expressing their dismay at the rising crime rates in South Africa. Suggestions from the public include the use of drones for surveillance, as proposed by one user on X, to monitor and prevent such criminal activities. The government, as per the National Crime Prevention Strategy, acknowledges crime prevention as a national priority, involving not just law enforcement but also civil society in tackling these issues. The strategy emphasizes moving from reactive policing to proactive crime prevention, which is crucial in addressing the root causes of such crimes.
Conclusion
The increase in road spiking in Gauteng is a stark reminder of the evolving nature of crime and the need for both individuals and the community to adapt and respond proactively. As motorists, staying informed, vigilant, and prepared can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim. The government’s commitment to crime prevention through comprehensive strategies, along with community involvement, provides a hopeful path forward. However, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on their implementation and the continued engagement of all stakeholders involved.
Call to Action
If you encounter or have information about road spiking incidents, please report them immediately to local law enforcement or community watch groups. Sharing information can help prevent others from becoming victims. Remember, safety on the roads is a collective responsibility.