Hijacking Incidents on the Rise in North West: Motorists Urged to Stay Alert
- Karen Scheepers
- Sep 16
- 2 min read
Spike in Criminal Activity Along Major Routes
Authorities and community safety groups have issued urgent warnings to motorists following an increase in hijacking incidents across several key routes in the North West province. Reports indicate that criminal syndicates are targeting both local and long-distance travelers, using tactics such as placing spikes on the road or creating staged obstructions to ambush vehicles.
The routes flagged as high-risk zones include:
N18: Mahikeng – Delareyville
N4: Rustenburg – Brits
N12: Potchefstroom – Gauteng
R510: Ramochana – Rustenburg
R503: Lichtenburg – Mahikeng
R52: Ventersdorp – Potchefstroom
R53: Koster – Ventersdorp
Common Tactics Used by Criminals
Hijackers often rely on methods designed to catch motorists off guard. Recent patterns show the use of:
Road spikes: Hidden across lanes to puncture tyres and force vehicles to stop.
False breakdowns or obstructions: Vehicles or debris placed strategically to slow down or stop cars.
Night-time ambushes: Targeting motorists when visibility is low.
Hitchhiker deception: Criminals posing as pedestrians in distress to lure drivers into stopping.
These tactics emphasize the need for constant vigilance, especially when driving on isolated stretches of road.
Safety Tips for Motorists
To reduce risks and improve personal safety, drivers are advised to take the following precautions:
Stay alert for road spikes or unusual objects and avoid stopping immediately if tyres are damaged; instead, drive to a safe, populated area before pulling over.
Avoid traveling these routes at night, when visibility and police patrols are limited.
Keep car doors locked and windows closed at all times.
Do not stop for unidentified individuals or vehicles unless in a clearly safe and secure environment.
Do not pick up hitchhikers, even if they appear vulnerable or in distress.
Report suspicious activity immediately to the South African Police Service (SAPS) or community policing forums.
Building Community Safety Through Awareness
Community organisations and law enforcement emphasize that sharing information quickly can help prevent further incidents. By reporting attempted hijackings, spike placements, or suspicious gatherings on roadways, motorists can play a direct role in safeguarding themselves and others.
Residents are urged to make use of local emergency contacts, SAPS hotlines, and neighborhood safety groups to ensure that alerts are circulated effectively.
A Call for Caution and Collective Action
The recent spike in hijackings highlights both the vulnerability of motorists and the importance of proactive security measures. While law enforcement continues efforts to monitor high-risk routes, motorists remain the first line of defense by staying alert, avoiding unnecessary risks, and reporting threats as they arise.
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