Crime hotspots: Warning about attacks on vehicles on South Africa’s busiest roads

Experts have warned about spiking attacks and armed robberies on some of South Africa’s busiest roads.

In these attacks, criminals place sharp objects, such as iron spikes, nails, or stones, on the dark or dimly lit sections of the highway to puncture vehicle tyres.

When unsuspecting drivers are forced to pull over or stop to change a tyre, armed attackers emerge from the roadside bushes to rob, hijack, or assault the occupants.

On Monday, 9 November 2026, crime correspondent and anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee warned about motorists being targeted on the N4 highway.

“Motorists travelling towards eMalahleni (Witbank) are warned of a high-risk situation near the Kusile off-ramp,” he said.

“Two vehicles were spiked last night. Armed suspects, with firearms visible, were seen approaching motorists who had stopped to change flat tyres.”

He urged motorists travelling on this road to remain vigilant, keep their doors locked, and avoid stopping in the area.

“If your tyres are spiked, proceed slowly to a safe, well-lit location, toll plaza or filling station before stopping, provided it is safe to do so,” he said.

In another incident of this kind, spiking occurred between Mabopane and Rosslyn outside Pretoria.

There was yet another incident where a Russian tourist was shot dead, and his wife was injured during an attack on the N4 freeway outside Pretoria.

“The attack took place last week. The couple were travelling to Kruger National Park for a holiday,” Abramjee said.

“The husband stopped to change a damaged tyre when unknown suspects attacked the couple and robbed them of their belongings.”

Hotspots for spiking attacks

In the past, many spiking hotspots have been identified in Gauteng and surrounding areas where motorists were targeted and attacked.

• N4 Mpumalanga to Pretoria between Solomon Mahlangu and Watermeyer off-ramp

• N4 Pretoria to Mpumalanga between Bronkhorstspruit and Balmoral off-ramp

• N1 Polokwane and N4 Mpumalanga interchange in Pretoria

• N4 to Rustenburg between R80 Mabopane freeway and Brits Plaza tollgate

• Golden Highway.

• R21 freeway from O.R. 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

Although spiking attempts can occur at any time, they are more likely after dark, as perpetrators take advantage of the darkness to conceal the hazards.