As most of you are already aware that South Africa is a hot spot for all types of crime I thought I would share the latest trend. Road spiking with the only purpose is to stop the vehicle and to rob the stranded motorists and in one case 2 nights ago killed the occupants once they had been robbed. These are not normal hijackings as we are dealing with a different type of animal because spiking a cars tires could lead to serious injuries depending on the speed you are travelling at.
This unfortunately is the outcome when you have a failed police force which has no interest in doing it's job protecting the people. The only reason our neighborhoods where we live are safe is we have our own private security companies monitoring the areas 24/7.
If one looks at the above incidents the N4 freeway is a hot spot with 14 of the 24 reported spiking's happening on that particular road. This does not take a genius to realise this sounds like one group and the police are nowhere to be found. This is out in the North past Pretoria and not anywhere close to where I live and is only something to remain aware about. The people that were killed the other night was a spiking closer to home, but still a good 30 minutes drive a way. We as a family have spoken about fire arms and I do not think we are quite at that point yet and honestly don't think they will be required. I am more security conscious than most and if I feel they are required then I will not hesitate.
The good news is the private security companies working that particular area are now stepping up and adding the freeways to their work load. The problem is these spikes are not just normal spikes you would be visualizing in your head, but they have been using rebar that has been cut into small sections and pounded into the road surface. Rebar for those that do not know is the metal bars that are used when constructing buildings. There is no chance of spotting this at night and unless you have run flats or are armed you do not stand a chance.
Knowing that the private security firms are the ones who ae keeping law and order you actually don't have any problems if their monthly fees do rise. They are responsible for keeping every day life normal to some extent. We live in a closed secure community that has armed guards and we are all connected via a group on WhatsApp keeping us informed. If anyone has a problem we will or some of us will be there to assist.
This year I have heard of no shopping mall heists which a few years ago was almost every other day in the run up to Christmas. I walked past a jewelry store in a mall today and there were 3 armed guards on duty. This same store was robbed 5 years ago and they have clearly learned their lessons.
Generally though on a positive note this is by no means all doom and gloom and in many places feel safer than travelling around Europe which says something. Living in South Africa you are raised to be aware of your surroundings at all times and to spot things that are out of the ordinary. Out of habit wherever I am I always give everyone around me a quick once over which I think is kind of normal survivor type instinct.
I experienced more crime whilst living and working in the UK than I have here with the one difference the crime being over there was more low key like car break ins. Crime here is more violent and tends to involve a fire arm and the value of life is regarded as nothing. At least with this you know where you stand if confronted and know exactly what needs to happen.