Drone locates motorist dragged into bushes after N4 vehicle‑spiking incident

A security drone located a motorist who had been dragged into bushes after a vehicle‑spiking incident on the N4 in Pretoria, and guided police to recover him alive and unharmed.

What happened

The incident took place on the evening of September 1 on the N4 highway in Pretoria. According to ProShield Security, two motorists were involved in a serious vehicle‑spiking incident. Responders found one victim safe, while a second motorist had reportedly been dragged into surrounding bushes by a group of at least six armed suspects.

Drone and police search

The ProShield Security Drone Unit, working alongside members of the South African Police Service, launched an extensive aerial and ground search of nearby fields and bushes. The drone unit located the missing motorist alone in a field. The pilot maintained visual contact and directed police officers on the ground to his exact position, and the motorist was recovered alive and unharmed.

Agencies involved

• SAPS Sinoville
• SAPS Highway Patrol
• SAPS Tshwane
• Soshanguve K9 unit
• ProShield Security
• Prosec Security
• Tracker SA

Wider concern and response

ProShield described the episode as the latest in what it called an alarming increase in vehicle‑spiking attacks along the N1 and N4. The company said these attacks involve objects deliberately placed on the road to damage vehicles and force motorists to stop, leaving them vulnerable to robbery and other violent crimes.

ProShield said it was engaging with SAPS and other security providers on a coordinated operational response. The company added that intelligence sharing, aerial surveillance and coordinated ground operations would remain essential in combating the groups responsible.

Safety note

The security operation ended with the safe recovery of the missing motorist. No further details about suspects or arrests were provided in ProShield’s account.