Warning about criminals targeting cars on South Africa’s busiest roads
Vehicles along the country’s busiest roads have been targeted in spiking incidents, with criminals using rocks and other materials to damage cars and then stealing from drivers.
City of Johannesburg MMC for Public Safety, Mgcini Tshwaku, said criminals deliberately place rocks on the N1 North between the Soweto Highway and Maraisburg Off-ramps.
Another hotspot for this criminal activity is the N1 South between Maraisburg and Rand Show Road Off-ramps.
Although spiking can happen at any time in the day, it most often occurs after dark because it helps with this type of crime.
Criminals take advantage of the darkness to hide hazards from unsuspecting drivers until it’s too late for them to brake or avoid the objects.
Criminals aim to damage a vehicle, especially its tyres, which causes the driver to pull over, making them vulnerable to robbery.
Although thieves mainly use spikes made from wood or nails, they can also use other big objects, such as rocks.
“We have directed the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to act decisively to root out these criminal elements,” said Tshwaku.
“Joint operations are underway across our freeways and highways, ensuring no road user is vulnerable.”
“Department of Public Safety is aware of the alarming rise in road spike incidents across Johannesburg and is dealing with it decisively to ensure the safety of all motorists.”
The city urged the community to report emergencies or suspicious activities by contacting 082 060 0057 or 011 375 5911.
Spiking is not a new tactic, with numerous incidents reported in recent years.
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities of South Africa Sindisiwe Chikunga was a victim of spiking hijacking in late 2023.
The Gauteng Traffic Police previously identified the following roads as spiking hotspots:
- N4 Mpumalanga to Pretoria between Solomon Mahlangu and Watermeyer off-ramp.
- N4 Pretoria to Mpumalanga between Bronkhorstspruit and Balmoral off-ramp.
- N1 Polokwane N4 Mpumalanga interchange in Pretoria.
- N4 to Rustenburg between R80 Mabopane Freeway and Brits Plaza tollgate.
- Golden Highway.
- R21 Freeway from OR Tambo International Airport to Pretoria.
- R562 in Olifantsfontein
- N12 in Witbank, under the Merridale bridge
- N12 between Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom
- N3 between Leondale and Barry Marais Road
- N17 between Rondebult and Heidelberg Road
Hijacking tactics on the rise
Spiking is one of the many tactics criminals use to target South African motorists and steal their belongings.
For instance, 2024 saw the re-emergence of the ‘tap-tap’ hijacking tactic. In this method, criminals intentionally bump into a victim’s car to create a staged accident.
Once the driver pulls over to assess the damage or exchange details, hijackers use the opportunity to strike.
This trend is popular in urban areas, where congested roads allow criminals to exploit unsuspecting drivers.
Car theft and hijacking claims for high-value vehicles have also increased, especially keyless models.
Criminals have increasingly turned to sophisticated car-jamming techniques which disable remote locking systems.
Moreover, there has been a rise in kidnappings during hijackings. Criminals hold the victim hostage to ensure that the tracking devices are revealed and delay the reporting of the crime.
Hijackers can thus remove or disable the devices before the vehicle is reported stolen, making recovery incredibly difficult.
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