22 Apr 2021 | 11:48 AM UTC
South Africa: Increased security on parts of the N1, R566, and N4 in Tshwane (Pretoria) in April due to criminal activity /update 1
Increased security on parts of the N1, R566, and N4 in Tshwane (Pretoria), South Africa, as of April 22 due to increased criminal activity.
Event
Tshwane (Pretoria) police officials have reportedly increased patrols on several road routes in April in response to a developing criminal tactic involving laying spikes on road routes. Once a vehicle is disabled, criminals will rob the occupants. Officials have reported recent incidents along Soutpan Road, the R566, the N1, and N4. Authorities have noted that the N4 towards Bronkhorstspruit and the Mabopane highway are hotspots.
The US Embassy in South Africa issued a warning April 15 covering the same issue. It stated that criminals are using homemade devices to disable vehicle tires on parts of the N4 roadway, specifically on the N4 east between the Solomon Mahlangu on-ramp and the Diamond Hill Toll Plaza and along the N4 west toward Rustenburg from the N1 interchange.
Heightened security is likely along impacted road routes. The persons involved in the incidents remain at large, and further such attacks are likely.
Advice
Consider avoiding travel at night on the impacted routes. Maintain a heightened level of vigilance when operating on the routes. If impacted by tire damage, continue driving slowly to a police station or public area and do not stop on the roadway.
