Armed robbers have unleashed a reign of terror on the Bakwena N4 over the last week. Spiking incidents have become more violent with kidnapping and suspects opening fire on law enforcement agencies.
At least five spiking incidents and armed robberies have been reported since Friday.
The father and son hit spikes on the Bakwena N4 between Brits and De Wildt on Saturday night and kept driving until the vehicle could go no further and came to a standstill near the M21 offramp at De Wildt.
According to Kobus Grobler of Aequitas Security, three armed robbers pounced on them and fired a shot through the vehicle’s window. “They took the father and son hostage and forced them into the bushes close to Rosslyn Road at the De Wildt crossing. In the meantime, the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) noticed the car and reported the spiking on security channels. Police from Brits, Mmakau and Akasia responded, along with Afrique du Sud K9 Security (ADS), TSU Security and Aequitas Security.
“The robbers had forced the father and son through the bushes along the M21, tied them up and demanded a ransom from family members. While all parties were on the scene close to where the victims were held, a family member arrived after tracking the victims’ phone,” Grobler said. “ADS’ dogs started following the tracks and TSU enlisted a drone to look for the victims and robbers. “They were found by security officers and police in the bushes. Unfortunately, the robbers had fled, presumably when they noticed the activity. The two victims were unharmed but traumatised.”
On Tuesday night, armed robbers responsible for the spikings opened fire on Aequitas Security officers when they responded to three spikings on the N4.
Three vehicles hit spikes shortly after 19:00 near the M21 offramp.
“One of the vehicles managed to quickly change a tyre and got away before the robbers could get to them. The next two vehicles were not so lucky and were pounced on by armed men and robbed at gunpoint,” said Grobler.
Police and security companies immediately responded after the first alert and robbers opened fire on an Aequitas Security officer. He returned fire and the robbers fled into the bushes.
Brits police spokesperson Constable Ben Moabi said that in one of the spiking cases, the victims were overpowered by four armed men who demanded money and cellphones. “The victims were ordered to take off their shoelaces and sit down next to the vehicle. Aequitas Security apeared on the scene to rescue the victims and the robbers fled while shooting at the security vehicle. No one was injured,” he said.
“Police patrols have been deployed on the N4 and R566 to safeguard motorists. We urge motorists to be alert and if they hit spikes or barricades, to try and drive to a safe place before stopping.”
Bakwena, the concessionaire responsible for the N1N4 route, said this week the safety of motorists and pedestrians using the N1N4 route is Bakwena’s priority and it views these incidents in a serious light.
“In light of recent incidents, Bakwena would like to share some valuable safety advice,” spokesperson Charmaine van Wyk said.
• As these spiking incidents predominantly take place at night, motorists are encouraged to travel during the daytime.
• Remain vigilant and reduce your speed as this will enable better visibility of the road ahead.
• Call 0800 BAKWENA / 0800 2259362 should you come across any objects along the Bakwena N1N4 route or require assistance.
• Contact Brits SAPS 012-381-6077/78
“Should anyone have any information relating to these criminals and incidents, we encourage you to please inform SAPS so the culprits can be dealt with. Let’s work together to ensure everyone’s safety.”

Spykerlokvalle – AfriForum wil ook ingryp

Die burgerregteorganisasie AfriForum het aangekondig dat sy buurtwagte in en om Brits en Pretoria hul verbintenis gee tot die bekamping van die ernstige toename in spykerlokvalle (spikings) wat tans op die N4-snelweg ondervind word.
“Verskeie ernstige voorvalle is die afgelope paar weke aangemeld. Hierdie modus operandi word meer en meer algemeen en selfs ambulanse en voertuie van die Tshwane Metropolisie (TMPD) was al die teiken van dié aanvalle,” het AriForum-woordvoerder, Jacques Broodryk, gesê.
“Ons buurtwagte in die Brits- en Pretoria-omgewings het hulself daartoe verbind om die misdaadbrandpunte waar spyker- en kliplokvalle gereeld voorkom, by hul patrollieroetes in te sluit, bedag te wees op verdagte items op dié roetes en om gemeenskapslede wat moontlik bystand benodig in dié verband, by te staan,” sê Broodryk.
AfriForum doen ’n beroep op plaaslike Gemeenskapspolisiëringsforums (GPF) en ander gemeenskapsveiligheidstrukture om met AfriForum hande te vat in die bekamping van hierdie tipe misdaad.