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Soweto, South Africa — the JMPD has acknowledged a significant rise in road spike incidents throughout the city and has pledged to collaborate with the South African Police Service to address the issue.
This follows a joint operation in Soweto over the weekend by the Johannesburg Metro Police and the SAPS.
“This has been a serious thing that has been happening not only in the city of Johannesburg but throughout the province of Gauteng province,” said JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla, in an interview with eNCA. .
“In Johannesburg, we’ve identified the N1, that’s between Nasrec and Maraisburg. There are reports of spikes that have allegedly been put there, and officers are monitoring the areas,” Fihla added.
The operation comes over a week after the Soutj African transport ministry held a media briefing on the 2024 road safety statistics, with Minister Barbara Creecy announcing enforcement measures, and progress in ensuring safer roads during the festive season.
Gauteng road spiking hotspots: Pretoria and Johannesburg
oad spiking involves placing sharp objects or obstructions such as rocks on roads to puncture vehicle tires, forcing drivers to stop. This practice, which often leads to robberies and endangers lives, is escalating as the festive season approaches.
The trend was previously more common in Pretoria, particularly near the R80 Mabopane Highway / R566 Rosslyn exit. However, other identified hotspots now include sections of the N1, N12, and N14 highways, as well as parts of Johannesburg’s M1, where rocks are also reportedly being placed in the middle of the road.
Motorists are urged to exercise caution and remain vigilant, especially during high-risk times, as authorities work to mitigate the growing threat.
