In recent weeks, one of Misa’s employees was the victim of an incident in which iron pins were placed on the road. (Photo: Provided)
Misa, the trade union for motor industry personnel, is warning motorists to be vigilant following a recent incident in which stones were placed on the N4 between Silverlakes and Donkerhoek in the east of Pretoria. Several motorists traveling in an eastern direction had flat tires due to the incident.
This comes less than five weeks after one of Misa’s employees was the victim of an incident at a junction road to the N14 in Krugersdorp, where iron pins were placed on the road. She escaped unscathed.
Martlé Keyter, chief operating officer at Misa, says that despite awareness campaigns by the police, other law enforcement authorities and non-profit organizations such as Misa, it often happens that iron pins are placed on Gauteng roads.
She says the union is concerned about an increase in these incidents which have now become the norm. “Iron pin incidents put motorists and their loved ones at risk when they travel.
“We work in an industry where people have no choice but to adjust their working hours to accommodate customers. This makes Misa members even more vulnerable.”
Keyter says the incidents appear to be opportunistic crimes committed by individuals to exploit motorists’ vulnerability at night. “Spikes or sharp objects are placed on the road so that vehicles cannot continue and drivers are forced to stop. It is in this moment of isolation that attackers strike and steal valuables before disappearing into the darkness.”
Although Barbara Creecy, the Minister of Transport, promotes increased visibility on roads, Misa appeals on behalf of its 75,000 members that more must be done to ensure safety at night at hotspots on motorways.
The trade union says it is also aware of an increase in cases in which motorists submit false claims to their insurance companies. Keyter says Misa condemns this behavior and pleads with motorists to be honest, as false claims waste valuable resources that could help real victims.