A 49-year-old man is fighting for his life in a Johannesburg hospital after being shot by robbers on the N4 highway near Brits on Friday evening.
The victim, identified as Neil Coetzer, was ambushed by armed men after his vehicle was forced to stop by a rock barricade placed by the criminals.
According to reports, Neil was driving from Rustenburg to Pretoria when his bakkie hit a rock barricade placed by the robbers around 20:30.
The vehicle’s tyre was damaged. Neil drove a bit further until he could and got out to change the tyre.
His brother Jacques Coetzer told the media that, according to Neil, he was busy changing the tyre when four armed men suddenly appeared behind him.
The four men started shooting immediately.
It is believed Neil started running with the wheel spanner still in his hand.
Two of the armed men chased after him. At one point, Neil turned around and hit one with the spanner, and then the other one shot him in the chest.
Jacques told the media Neil kept running while trying to stop vehicles, but motorists just drove past him.
Meanwhile, Kobus Grobler of Aequitas Security and GPF members were already on their way to the scene after receiving information from Anglo American’s Tactical Response unit that a helicopter had spotted the motorist, who was likely led into an ambush, on the N4.
GPF members learned that a helicopter had spotted suspects in the bushes and requested backup through the N4 emergency group.
Shortly after, local residents reported hearing gunshots and posted updates in the group.
While driving on the N4, the members saw a man run into the road, narrowly avoiding them. They then noticed a vehicle further down the highway and realised it could be the victim.
Covered in blood, the man identified himself as the one who had been shot, prompting the members to call for additional backup.
Police were quick on the scene, and emergency services were called. Due to the severity of his gunshot wound, Neil was flown to a Johannesburg hospital by emergency helicopter.
Two of the attackers were arrested.
Neil’s shoulder is broken, nerves are damaged, and some of his ribs are crushed. He had an operation, and doctors will decide if further surgery is needed to repair nerves. He can lift his arm slightly but can’t use his hand at all. Some of the drainage pipes have already been removed from his chest. He is in a stable condition in the intensive care unit.
Police could not yet confirm the incident or provide more information.
Several spiking incidents in and around Pretoria have been reported weekly this year.
Private investigator Mike Bolhuis previously explained the modus operandi road criminals use.
He said criminals also use concrete lintels and place them right across the road.
“It is almost impossible for the driver to see this as it is too far away and too dark.”
Bolhuis said there are usually two groups involved in this crime.
“The spiking group and the stopper group or the robbers.
The second group waits for about 50 – 150m away from the place where the spiking takes place.”
Bolhuis warned that criminals also hang rocks and bricks at windscreen heights from bridges to cause vehicles to stop before robbing them.
He suggested that motorists avoid driving alone at night.
“Ensure that your cellphone is charged to its maximum and, if possible, share your live location with a family member or friend.”
Bolhuis added that motorists should avoid secluded and unlit roads and highways in and around the city at night.
“Never drive over a plastic bag or a cardboard box in the road. Drive approximately 100 – 200 meters behind another car in the same lane.
“Travel at a reasonable speed – that will allow you to swerve out of the way and avoid the spikes.”
He urged motorists to stay calm should it happen that they drive over the spikes.
“Stay calm and do not stop. Continue driving, but reduce speed if need be. Do not panic if you hear the metal of your car’s rims or even see sparks.”
According to Bolhuis, it is less dangerous to proceed at 40km/hour than it is to stop.
“Further down the road, you might be able to take an off-ramp, stop at a tollgate, or a garage where you can make an emergency call or ask for help.”
Where are the current hotspots in and around Pretoria?
- N4 West in Akasia to Brits
- N4 East to Bronkhorspruit
- N1 from Midrand to Carousel Plaza
- Ben Schoeman Road from Midrand to Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre
- N1 “South” from Naturena to Vaal River.
- R80 Mabopane Freeway from Eskia Mphahlele Road to Soshanguve
ALSO READ: Warning: Spiking hotspots now on main routes
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