PROJECT: ROAD CRIME IN SOUTH AFRICA - SMASH-AND-GRAB ATTACKS, ROAD SPIKING AND THE DANGERS LURKING ON OUR HIGHWAYS

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South African motorists face a range of criminal threats on national highways, provincial roads and urban routes.

These include smash-and-grab attacks, road spiking, objects thrown from overhead bridges, deliberate road obstructions, staged emergencies and hijackings.

Criminals increasingly exploit situations in which motorists are forced to slow down, stop or leave their vehicles.

A punctured tyre, damaged windscreen or apparent roadside emergency can create an opportunity for perpetrators

to approach unsuspecting occupants and commit robbery or hijacking.

Recent media reports have again highlighted the dangers motorists face on the N2 near Cape Town,

including the stretch approaching Somerset West and Cape Town International Airport.

The reported experiences of motorists demonstrate the need for greater awareness

of the different methods used to target road users.

However, this is not an isolated regional problem. Similar criminal methods have been reported in Gauteng,

the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces.

SSS warns motorists not to view roadside crime as a series of unrelated incidents.

Certain methods are deliberately designed to disable vehicles,

create panic or manipulate drivers into stopping in vulnerable locations.

1. HOW CRIMINALS TARGET MOTORISTS:

Criminals exploit traffic congestion, isolated road sections, poorly lit areas, freeway interchanges and intersections where vehicles are forced to stop or move slowly. Some attacks are opportunistic, while others involve planning, surveillance and cooperation between perpetrators.

Common methods include:

SMASH-AND-GRAB ATTACKS:

Perpetrators approach stationary vehicles and break windows to steal handbags, cellphones, laptops and other valuables.
Traffic lights, intersections, freeway off-ramps and congested roads provide opportunities because drivers are often distracted and have limited room to manoeuvre.
Criminals may observe vehicles before selecting a target, particularly where valuables are visible or the driver appears to be travelling alone.

ROAD SPIKING:

Road spiking involves placing sharp objects across a roadway to puncture tyres or damage vehicles.
Criminals may use manufactured spikes, metal objects, nails or other sharp materials to disable passing vehicles. Once the driver stops to investigate the damage, perpetrators may approach and rob or hijack the occupants.
A puncture in an isolated area should therefore be treated with caution, particularly where there are people waiting nearby or suspicious activity around the vehicle.

OBJECTS THROWN FROM OVERHEAD BRIDGES:

Rocks, bricks and other heavy objects may be thrown from bridges onto passing vehicles.
The impact can shatter windscreens, injure occupants and cause drivers to lose control. Even when the vehicle remains operational, the driver may instinctively stop to inspect the damage, creating a potential opportunity for criminals.
Gauteng Traffic Police have previously warned motorists about objects being thrown from overhead bridges and the associated dangers.

OBJECTS SUSPENDED FROM BRIDGES:

Objects hanging from or positioned over roadways have also featured in public warnings about possible attempts to damage passing vehicles.
Motorists should report suspicious objects near bridges and road infrastructure. However, unverified photographs and social media warnings must not automatically be treated as evidence of incidents in South Africa. Reports should be verified before locations or methods are presented as established criminal patterns.

ROCKS, BRICKS AND CONCRETE OBSTRUCTIONS:

Criminals may place rocks, concrete blocks, bricks or other heavy objects in traffic lanes.
These obstructions can damage tyres, windscreens, suspension systems and vehicle undercarriages. At night, poor visibility may make it difficult for motorists to identify the danger in time.
Where an obstruction is encountered, drivers may be forced to brake suddenly, swerve or stop. Each reaction can create additional danger, including the risk of a collision or secondary criminal attack.

SCATTERED GLASS, METAL AND OTHER DEBRIS:

Sharp objects and debris may be deliberately placed across roads to damage tyres or force motorists to slow down.
Not every obstruction is necessarily criminal, but motorists should remain alert when encountering unusual debris, particularly on isolated roads or stretches where previous incidents have been reported.

STAGED ACCIDENTS AND FAKE EMERGENCIES:

Criminals may manufacture roadside emergencies to persuade motorists to stop.
This can include pretending that another vehicle has been involved in an accident, claiming that someone is injured or creating the impression that a driver requires assistance.
While genuine emergencies must never be ignored, motorists should avoid placing themselves in danger. They can contact emergency services and report the location without approaching an unknown situation.

FALSE VEHICLE-DEFECT WARNINGS:

A perpetrator may signal to a motorist that a tyre is flat, a wheel is loose or something is wrong with the vehicle.
The intention may be to persuade the driver to pull over and inspect the supposed problem. Once the vehicle has stopped, accomplices may approach and commit robbery or hijacking.
Drivers should not automatically trust strangers who attempt to direct them to the roadside.

IMPERSONATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT:

Criminals may use vehicles resembling police vehicles, counterfeit identification or unauthorised blue lights to make motorists believe they are being stopped by legitimate officers.
Motorists should exercise caution when approached by suspicious or unmarked vehicles. Where circumstances permit, they should proceed to a safe, populated location or police station to verify the identity of the individuals attempting to stop them.

2. REPORTED VEHICLE-CRIME HOTSPOTS IN SOUTH AFRICA:

Although criminal activity changes over time, several roads and intersections have featured in media reports, police warnings and municipal safety notices.

The following locations are areas where motorists should exercise heightened awareness. This is not a definitive SAPS national hotspot ranking, and the inclusion of a road does not mean that every section is equally dangerous.

1. GAUTENG:

Pretoria and Centurion:

Reported smash-and-grab concerns include:

N1/Garsfontein Road off-ramp.
N1/Atterbury Road off-ramp.
N1/Lynnwood Road off-ramp.
N1/Rigel Avenue off-ramp.
N14/Eufees Road off-ramp.
Fountains Circle.
Lynnwood Road and Solomon Mahlangu Drive.
De Villebois Mareuil Drive and Garsfontein Road.
Simon Vermooten Road, Silverton.
Nossob Street and Delmas Road.

N4 and surrounding areas:

The N4 has featured in warnings about road obstructions, spikes and attacks on motorists.

Locations requiring particular awareness include:

N4 between Pretoria and Donkerhoek.
N4 near Mooiplaats.
N4 near the Solomon Mahlangu interchange.
N4 towards Rustenburg and Brits.
Sections approaching the Watermeyer and Rossouw Street interchanges.

Reports from March 2026 highlighted rocks placed on the N4 between Silverlakes and Donkerhoek, causing tyre damage. Other warnings have described criminals using road obstructions to force motorists to stop.

Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni:

Reported areas of concern include:

N3 between Leondale and Barry Marais Road.
N17 between Rondebult and Heidelberg Road.
Golden Highway.
R21 between OR Tambo International Airport and Pretoria.
R562 in the Olifantsfontein area.
N12 around Emalahleni and the Merridale Bridge area.
N12 between Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom.

Motorists should also remain alert in urban areas where vehicle theft, robbery and hijacking incidents have been reported, including parts of Tembisa, Vosloorus, Katlehong, Springs, Daveyton, Ivory Park and Rondebult.

2. WESTERN CAPE:

Cape Town has experienced recurring concerns involving smash-and-grab attacks, hijackings and attacks on motorists.

Reported areas include:

N2 near Cape Town International Airport.
N2 between the Jakes Gerwel and Baden Powell interchanges.
N2 near Borcherds Quarry Road.
N2 near Macassar Bridge.
Jakes Gerwel Drive, particularly between the N2 and Bofors Circle.
Jakes Gerwel Drive and Samora Machel Drive.
N1 near the Lower Church Street off-ramp.
N1 near Sable Road Bridge.
R300 between Jakes Gerwel Drive and Stock Road.
R300 near the N2 interchange.
Malibongwe Drive and the N7 intersection.
Elsies River, including Epping Avenue and Jan van Riebeeck Drive.

The City of Cape Town has previously identified Jakes Gerwel Drive as a smash-and-grab problem area and reported criminal incidents detected through its CCTV network.

The N2 near Cape Town International Airport and the Somerset West turn-off remains a particular concern following reports of attacks on motorists.

3. KWAZULU-NATAL:

In Durban and surrounding areas, motorists should exercise caution at intersections, traffic lights and on major routes where congestion creates opportunities for criminals.

Reported locations include:

M4 and Margaret Mncadi Avenue.
Julius Nyerere Avenue and Anton Lembede Street.
Silverglen Drive and Bulbul Drive.

Motorists travelling along the N2 and N3 should also remain alert, particularly at night and near isolated sections, interchanges and areas where vehicles are forced to slow down.

NORTH WEST AND MPUMALANGA:

Motorists travelling between provinces should remain alert on long-distance routes, particularly where roadside assistance is limited and traffic volumes are lower.

Areas requiring awareness include:

N4 between Pretoria and Rustenburg.
N4 towards Mpumalanga.
N12 between Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom.
N12 around Emalahleni.

Reports of road obstructions, rocks and other attacks on motorists reinforce the importance of remaining vigilant even when travelling outside major metropolitan areas.

3. WHY CRIMINALS WANT MOTORISTS TO STOP:

A common feature of several roadside criminal methods is the attempt to interrupt a journey and place the driver in a vulnerable position.

Criminals may deliberately create a situation in which a motorist believes that stopping is unavoidable.

The sequence may involve:

An obstruction, object or other hazard damages the vehicle.
The driver slows down or stops to assess the situation.
Perpetrators approach while the driver is distracted.
The occupants are threatened or prevented from leaving.
Valuables, vehicle keys or the vehicle itself are taken.

Not every roadside incident follows this pattern, and a puncture or vehicle breakdown is not automatically evidence of criminal activity. Nevertheless, motorists should understand that some attacks are designed to create a secondary opportunity for robbery or hijacking.

4. WHY WOMEN AND SOLO MOTORISTS MAY BE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE:

Motorists travelling alone may have fewer people available to observe suspicious activity, assist with decision-making or contact emergency services.
Criminals may perceive a lone driver as an easier target, particularly when the person is travelling at night, unfamiliar with the route or visibly distressed.
Women travelling alone should be particularly cautious about stopping in isolated areas or accepting assistance from strangers.
However, these precautions apply to all motorists. Men, women, families and commercial drivers can all become victims of roadside crime.
The psychological impact should also not be underestimated. A sudden attack can result in trauma, anxiety, fear of travelling and a lasting loss of confidence when using previously familiar routes.

5. PREVENTATIVE MEASURES FOR MOTORISTS:

SSS recommends that motorists adopt the following precautions:

BEFORE TRAVELLING:

Plan the route and identify safe stopping points.
Ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy, with tyres, brakes and lights checked.
Keep emergency contact numbers accessible.
Ensure that a cellphone is charged.
Share travel details with a trusted person when undertaking long-distance journeys.
Avoid displaying expensive belongings inside the vehicle.

WHILE DRIVING:

Keep doors locked and windows closed, particularly in traffic.
Maintain sufficient following distance to allow room to manoeuvre.
Remain alert to suspicious people approaching vehicles.
Avoid handling cellphones or displaying valuables while stationary.
Be particularly cautious at intersections, freeway off-ramps and traffic queues.
Avoid unnecessary stops on isolated roads.
Do not follow directions from strangers who signal that something is wrong with your vehicle without first assessing the situation safely.

IF CONFRONTED BY AN OBSTRUCTION:

Reduce speed and assess the situation.
Avoid sudden or dangerous manoeuvres.
Do not deliberately drive into an obstruction if a safe alternative exists.
If the vehicle remains controllable, proceed cautiously to a secure, populated location.
Report the obstruction to the relevant authorities.
Do not stop in an exposed area merely to inspect damage.

6. WHAT TO DO IF YOUR VEHICLE IS DAMAGED OR DISABLED:

A damaged tyre, broken windscreen or mechanical failure can create a dangerous situation, particularly on an isolated road.

Motorists should prioritise their safety rather than immediately attempting to recover the vehicle or inspect the damage.

If the vehicle remains controllable, proceed cautiously to a safe, populated and well-lit location.

If it cannot be driven safely, avoid taking unnecessary risks. Contact emergency services or the relevant roadside-assistance provider and explain the circumstances.

If suspicious individuals approach, keep the doors locked and windows closed. Do not confront them or attempt to recover stolen property.

Once safe:

Contact SAPS and report the incident.
Request medical assistance where necessary.
Record the location, time and direction of travel.
Preserve dashcam footage, photographs and other evidence.
Record descriptions of suspects and vehicles involved, if this can be done safely.
Obtain a police case number.
Notify your insurance provider where applicable.

7. THE ROLE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND ROAD AUTHORITIES:

Roadside criminal activity requires a coordinated response from SAPS, traffic authorities, metropolitan police departments, road agencies and relevant security structures.
Visible patrols, intelligence-led operations, CCTV surveillance, rapid incident response and the removal of deliberately placed obstructions are important preventative measures.
Authorities should pay particular attention to recurring problem areas, especially where multiple reports indicate that motorists are being targeted through similar methods.
The investigation of these incidents should include the examination of available CCTV footage, dashcam recordings, witness statements and physical evidence.
Where incidents occur repeatedly along the same route, investigators should assess whether there are identifiable patterns, common perpetrators or coordinated criminal operations.
Members of the public also have a responsibility to report suspicious activity and dangerous road obstructions. Social media warnings can assist with public awareness, but they should be supported by verifiable information and should not unnecessarily create panic.

8. THE IMPACT ON THE PUBLIC:

Roadside criminal activity has consequences extending beyond the immediate financial loss suffered by victims.
A smash-and-grab attack may result in broken windows and stolen valuables. Road spiking can cause serious vehicle damage and place multiple road users at risk. Objects thrown from bridges can cause severe injuries or fatal accidents.
When a driver loses control after striking an obstruction or being hit by a projectile, passengers and other innocent motorists may also become victims.
Businesses may experience increased operating costs, insurance claims and disruptions to transport. Commuters may alter their routes or travel schedules because of safety concerns.
The cumulative effect is a loss of public confidence in the safety of South Africa's road network.

Criminals are exploiting the vulnerability of motorists through a range of methods designed to interrupt journeys,

damage vehicles and create opportunities for robbery and hijacking.

Smash-and-grab attacks, road spiking, objects thrown from bridges, deliberate road obstructions, staged emergencies

and impersonation tactics all demonstrate the importance of understanding how roadside crime operates.

Motorists must remain alert, avoid unnecessary stops in isolated areas and make informed decisions

when confronted with suspicious circumstances.

A damaged vehicle or stolen handbag can be replaced. Personal safety must always take priority.

However, individual vigilance cannot replace effective law enforcement. Recurring attacks require sustained investigation, visible policing, coordinated crime-prevention measures and accountability from the authorities responsible for road safety.

SSS urges motorists throughout South Africa to report incidents, preserve evidence

and share verified warnings with other road users.

The objective is not merely to reach your destination. It is to reach it safely.

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