PROJECT: SPIKING OF VEHICLES ON SOUTH AFRICAN ROADS
- isabels39
- Apr 17
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 22
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Specialised Security Services, along with other safety and security companies, community policing forums, neighbourhood watches, insurance companies and the media, would like to urgently alert the public to a continued increase in road spiking incidents on South African roads. Criminals are using sharp objects placed on highways and main routes to disable vehicles and ambush motorists. These dangerous attacks occur most often during the late evening and early morning hours, typically between 20:00 and 04:00, when visibility is low and traffic is lighter, making it easier for perpetrators to operate undetected.
Criminals employ this dangerous tactic to immobilise vehicles, making occupants vulnerable to robbery, assault, and hijacking.
WHY CRIMINALS SPIKE VEHICLE TYRES:
FORCED STOPS:
The primary goal is to puncture tyres and force drivers to stop in isolated or poorly lit areas.
VULNERABILITY:
Once a vehicle is disabled, occupants are at the mercy of the criminals.
ROBBERY AND HIJACKING:
Spiking provides an opportunity to rob occupants of their valuables and, in some cases, hijack the vehicle.
DESPARATION:
Some reports suggest that this crime is driven by desperation owing to the high cost of living and unemployment.
EASY REPLICATION:
It is relatively easy to make and deploy spikes, which is why there is a growing trend in this type of crime.
A significant market for stolen goods in South Africa also incentivises such crimes.
MODUS OPERANDI:
STRATEGIC PLACEMENT:
Spikes, often made of nails, wood, or large stones, are strategically placed in areas with low visibility, such as under bridges or on poorly lit roads.
CONCEALMENT:
Criminals may disguise spikes with plastic bags, clothing, or other debris to make them less noticeable.
WORKING IN TEAMS:
They often work in pairs or small groups.
One person places the spikes, while others hide nearby to ambush the victims.
EVOLVING TACTICS:
Criminals wait for victims to stop.
Some follow spiked vehicles in their own cars until the victims are forced to halt.
USING OTHER OBSTACLES:
Besides spikes, criminals also use rocks and other objects to force drivers to stop.
WORKING IN SYNDICATES:
While some reports suggest that the increase in spiking incidents is a result of individual acts of desperation and easy replication, it is plausible that organised criminal groups are also involved, given the coordinated nature of some attacks and the potential for higher gains through hijacking.
Current information does not definitively confirm the extent to which criminals operate in formal syndicates.
Some sources indicate that a single mastermind does not necessarily drive the crime but that it is being copied by individuals.
SAFETY MEASURES FOR DRIVERS:
AVOID NIGHT TRAVEL:
If possible, avoid driving at night, especially in known high-risk areas.
STICK TO WELL-LIT ROUTES:
When night travel is unavoidable, use well-lit and busy roads.
REDUCE SPEED:
Drive at a reasonable speed, especially at night, to allow more time to react to obstacles. Consider not exceeding 80 km/h in potentially dangerous areas.
STAY VIGILANT:
Stay vigilant and alert to your surroundings, especially in areas known for spiking incidents.
DO NOT STOP IMMEDIATELY:
If you suspect your tyres have been spiked, do not stop immediately.
Reduce speed gradually and try to drive to a safer location like a police station or a well-lit public area.
Even damaged tyres can often travel a reasonable distance at lower speeds.
MAINTAIN FOLLOWING DISTANCE:
Keep a safe following distance to allow for sudden stops or swerving if necessary.
CHANGE LANES UNDER BRIDGES:
Be cautious when approaching bridges, as these are common spots for placing obstacles.
If safe, change lanes before going under a bridge.
AVOID SUSPICIOUS OBJECTS:
Never drive over objects like plastic bags, clothing, or debris on the road.
Try to manoeuvre around them if it is safe to do so.
If you cannot avoid them, slow down significantly.
STRADDLE LANES (WITH CAUTION):
In some situations, if safety and traffic allow, driving with two wheels in one lane and two in the adjacent lane might help avoid spikes in the centre of a single lane.
However, be extremely cautious and aware of other traffic if attempting this, as it goes against standard traffic rules and should only be done in an emergency.
CONSIDER RUN-FLAT TYRES:
Run-flat tyres will allow you to continue driving for a limited distance after a puncture, potentially getting you to safety.
INFORM SOMEONE OF YOUR ROUTE:
Before travelling, especially in unfamiliar areas or at night, let someone know your route and expected arrival time.
Keep your mobile phone's live location on and share it with a trusted person.
STAY INSIDE YOUR VEHICLE:
If you are forced to stop in a dangerous area, keep your doors locked and windows up.
Contact the police or a security service for assistance.
REPORT INCIDENTS:
If you encounter spikes or become a victim, report the incident to the police immediately so they are able to track and address these crimes.
SUPPORT COMMUNITY SAFETY INITIATIVES:
Engage with local community safety forums and share information about suspicious activities.
Law enforcement agencies are reportedly increasing patrols and working to remove spikes from known hotspots.
Personal vigilance remains crucial for all motorists in South Africa.
KNOWN SPIKING HOTSPOTS:
N4 Highway
N1 Highway
N12 Highway
R80 (Mabopane Freeway)
R566
R21 Freeway
R104
N17 Highway
Golden Highway
Your life is far more valuable than any vehicle or its belongings.
In the event of a road spiking incident, your priority must always be your personal safety and the safety of your passengers. Never risk your life by trying to retrieve valuables or confront suspects.
A car can be replaced - your life cannot.
Stay vigilant, stay calm, and rather lose possessions than become another tragic statistic on our roads.
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