Tyre-spiking warning for motorists in South Africa’s capital city

Security and crime experts have warned motorists using certain on- and off-ramps in and around Pretoria about a recent increase in tyre-spiking attacks and armed robberies.

Spiking attacks involve criminals placing sharp objects, such as iron spikes, nails, or stones, on the dark or poorly lit sections of the highway or off-ramps to puncture unsuspecting drivers’ tyres.

When they are forced to pull over or stop to change their tyres, armed attackers emerge from the dark roadside to rob, hijack, or assault vehicle occupants.

Crime correspondent and anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee warned motorists on Monday, 9 November 2026, about targeted attacks on the N4 highway in Gauteng.

“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.”

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

He advised motorists who had their tyres spiked to proceed slowly and safely to a well-lit location, toll plaza or filling station before stopping, provided it is safe to do so.

In another recent spiking attack incident, a vehicle’s tyres were spiked on the road between Mabopane and Rosslyn outside Pretoria.

A Russian tourist was also shot dead in a third such attack on the N4 freeway outside Pretoria. His wife was also injured during the tyre-spiking incident.

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

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

Spiking attack hotspots are all along busy routes

Historically, most of the country’s tyre-spiking hotspots have been identified in Gauteng and the surrounding areas where motorists were targeted and attacked.

Some of the most well-known hotspots are as follows:

• 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

While spiking attacks can occur at any time, they are more likely after dark, as attackers take advantage of the darkness to conceal the hazards.

Cartrack has previously shared tips for motorists to avoid road spikes and protect themselves from becoming victims of these attacks.

The company advised drivers to avoid driving at night if possible, as it is difficult to see objects on the road, especially on roads without adequate lighting.

It also suggested keeping a good following distance, since this creates a safe space behind vehicles ahead of motorists, allowing enough space to manoeuvre out of dangerous situations.

Cartrack also urged motorists not to stop for any object in the road and instead move into the emergency lane or onto the grass if possible.

Because criminals target the fast lane where motorists have less time to react, Cartrack suggested motorists reduce speed in dangerous areas to give themselves a better chance to spot obstacles early.