AUTOFORUM

MISA comment – motorists should remain vigilant on roads following spiking incident on the N4

Mar 20, 2026 MISA, Motor Industry Staff Association, Martlé Keyter, spiking incident, N4 Eastbound, Transport Minister, Barbara Creecy,

MISA comment – motorists should remain vigilant on roads following spiking incident on the N4

MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, warns motorists to remain vigilant following another spiking incident on the N4 Eastbound between Silverlakes and Donkerhoek when rocks were placed on the road, causing several vehicles to suffer flat tyres.

This comes less than five weeks after one of MISA’s employees was involved in a spiking incident on a onramp of the N14 in Krugersdorp when objects were placed in the road. She managed to escape unharmed. Despite the awareness campaigns by the South African Police Service, other law authorities and non-profit organisations like MISA, the prevalence of spiking incidents remains high on national roads in Gauteng.

According to experts these attacks are opportunistic crimes carried out by individuals who exploit the vulnerability of isolated motorists at night. Spikes or sharp objects are placed on the road to disable vehicles, forcing drivers to stop. It is in this moment of isolation that attackers strike, stealing valuables before disappearing into the dark.

Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says the Union is alarmed by the escalation of these incidents because it has now become the norm. “Spiking incidents places workers and their loved ones at risk when they travel. We work in an industry where employees have no choice but to adjust their working hours to accommodate customers. This makes MISA members even more vulnerable. It is unacceptable that the lives of workers are endangered simply because they are trying to earn a living,” says Keyter.

MISA applauds the law enforcement authorities for its increased visibility on our roads under the leadership of Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, but appeal on behalf of the Union’s 75 000 members that more must be done to ensure safety at hotspots on the freeways at night.

MISA is also aware of the increase in motorist faking spiking incidents to claim from their insurance companies. Keyter says MISA condemn this behaviour and can only plead with motorist to be honest as fake claims wastes valuable resources that could assist real victims.

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