One suspect was shot dead and two others fled the scene when the motorist they allegedly ambushed fired back at them.
The incident unfolded on Friday at 9pm when a family got a puncture after hitting spikes while driving along the R80 highway in Akasia, Gauteng.
The spikes were intentionally placed on the road – so when the driver alighted from the vehicle, with his wife by his side, to change the flat tyre they were attacked by three armed men. The men fired shots and the husband shot back, hitting one suspect in the back. The other two managed to flee the scene unharmed.
According to police, Members of the Flying Squad who were part of Operation O Kae Molao conducted in Akasia and Garankuwa responded promptly and a replica firearm was recovered at the scene, next to the shot suspect who was later certified dead by paramedics.
Police launched a manhunt for the suspects who fled and have warned motorists travelling along the R80 to be extra cautious, especially at night.
In a statement police noted they have stabilised the incidents of car spiking on Gauteng roads that were on the increase, especially on the N4 highway and R566.
“Crime pattern analysis showed that as soon identified hotspots are mitigated with increased visibility of law enforcement and security partners then criminals either change their modus operandi or move to another location,” SAPS said.
They asked motorists who suspect that their tyre punctures are as a result of having driven over spikes to immediately contact them on 10111. If you are caught in a spike, scan your immediate environment and stay vigilant while changing the tyre. If you feel unsafe drive to the nearest filling station or police station.
Fourteen suspects who were arrested in October 2020 for terrorising and robbing the community at R80, Theo Martinspoort R89 and the surroundings remain in custody and are expected to start with trial between September and December 2021.
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