There have been at least 13 murders and 12 other serious crimes, including robberies and hijackings, reported in the vicinity of the Etwatwa off-ramp since January, prompting police to declare this stretch of the N12 a high-risk area.

The incidents reported to police span the area from the Etwatwa off-ramp to the Atlas Road off-ramp.

The City Times and Springs Advertiser spoke to the Crystal Park, Benoni and Springs police about the escalation in crime here and about their plans to manage this trend.

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Among the latest incidents reported is the murder of a young Petit couple who were shot dead at about midday while waiting for assistance after their bakkie ran out of fuel on the Putfontein bridge on May 26.

Other recent incidents include:

• On May 25, around 6pm, an African male was found dead in the squatter camp near the N12 Putfontein off-ramp. The victim had sustained gunshot wounds to the head and upper body.

• Another murder was reported on May 26. At around 10.40pm a body of a white male was discovered at the entrance to the N12 squatter camp. The victim was found with gunshot wounds to the upper body.

• On May 15, a man was killed on the Etwatwa and Welgedacht off-ramp following a shoot-out.

Benoni SAPS spokesperson Capt Nomsa Sekele said it is not clear who the perpetrators behind the crimes are; however, police are working with various stakeholders to increase visibility in the area.

“We will also embark on increased patrolling and erect warning signs to alert drivers and pedestrians to the potential danger on this stretch of highway,” she said.

“Members of the public should contact police immediately if they notice suspicious activity in the area.”

When the City Times spoke to the Crystal Park police they said illegal miners are giving them “sleepless nights” as the group has resorted to brutal killings of innocent civilians.

Crystal Park spokesperson Const Alex Mokete said they suspect there are illegal miners who are being escorted to and from the illegal shafts by heavily armed Sotho nationals who are ready to eliminate anybody (police included) standing in their way.

“We have had reports of illegal miners crossing the N12 highway on a daily basis to reach a mine in Benoni and that some of them live in the N12 informal settlement,” said Mokete.

“In recent months there have been three shoot-outs between illegal miners and the police during which the perpetrators ran and hide in the shafts.”

Springs SAPS spokesperson Capt Johannes Ramphora said they noticed an increase in crime early last year when incidents were reported every week.

“We increased patrols, but the problem continued,” he said.

“Part of the reason why the spree has seemingly spread uncontrollably is that police are having trouble narrowing down the group of suspects responsible.”

Ramphora said when they first noticed the disturbing pattern last year, victims reported being stopped by suspects pretending to be police.

“However, that has changed as victims now say they are stopped or attacked by suspects that seemingly appeared out of nowhere.

“We’re not sure if it’s the same group of people who have changed their modus operandi or if it’s an entirely different group of suspects,” he said.

Additionally, police said the 12km stretch of road is surrounded by open veld on either side that makes it easy for criminals to hide and wait for unsuspecting victims.

Ramphora said the criminals are targeting people of any gender and colour, pedestrians and motorists.

“Whoever appears at the time is vulnerable.

“The lack of working street lights on the N12 also makes it easy for criminals to commit crime and harder for drivers and pedestrians to spot potential danger around them.”

According to a Farrarmere victim, who wished to remain anonymous, she was involved in a robbery on May 12 on the N12.

The domestic worker, who was returning from Mpumalanga, was travelling in a car with three other occupants at around 4.30pm.

“We stopped at the Daveyton off-ramp to drop off one of the passengers.

“The driver and another male occupant got out of the car to help the man take his bags out of the boot,” she said.

“As they were taking the bags out, a man came from across the road, spoke to them and ordered them back into the car while he got into the front passenger side of the car – he was armed with a gun.

“He threatened the driver and told him to drive to Kingsway.

“Another car followed us at a distance.

“When we got to Kingsway the man demanded R5 000 from the driver and the driver told him he didn’t have this much money.

“I had to call my son to deposit R1 000 as none of us had money.

“I asked my son for the money because the experience was very scary and I feared for my life as I was the only female occupant.

“We then drove to the nearest garage, withdrew the money and went back to Kingsway to deliver the money to the suspect so he can let us go,” she said.

She added that the matter was not reported to the police as they felt they would not get justice.

Law enforcement agencies in Benoni and Springs said despite their best efforts to curb the spree, the situation has worsened.

Police tips for N12 motorists:

• If your vehicle breaks down call 10111 and a police van will come and wait with you, as there are police patrolling the route.

• Before setting off, make sure you have enough petrol and check your tyres, including your spare wheel.

• Make sure all your emergency contact numbers, such as family, insurance and your local CPF, are saved on your phone.

• Alert someone about your whereabouts at all times, including the route you’re taking.

• Make sure your phone is charged and has airtime and data so you can do all of the above.

• Avoid picking up hitchhikers.

• Insist the taxi drops you off at a designated taxi or bus stop, not in the middle of nowhere.

• Pedestrians should avoid shortcuts through open veld areas.

• Avoid unnecessary distractions, such as loud music or talking on the phone, while driving.

• If someone is coming to pick you up, make sure they know what time to expect you and your exact location.

• Beware of suspicious-looking vehicles that appear to be following you.

• Avoid stopping your vehicle when you see something suspicious on the road.

• Avoid walking alone, rather walk as a group.

• Wear visible clothing and avoid walking after dark.

• Avoid having your valuables on display whether you are driving or walking.

• When you need to stop for whatever reason, try to do so in built-up areas, especially at night.

• If you have a flat tyre, keep on driving and reduce your speed to 20km per hour with your hazards on and stop at the nearest garage. Rather ruin your rims than lose your life.

• If you have a firearm, keep it strapped to your body and make sure you can fire it quickly if you need it. Go to refresher courses if you need to brush up on your skills.

• If you are the victim of crime on the N12, report it to your nearest police station immediately.

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