Gauteng Traffic Police issue a stern warning to hitchhikers

The Gauteng Traffic Police has issued a stern warning to hitchhikers on Gauteng major routes following a video which was widely circulated on social media which depicts a hitchhiker travelling with a grocery trolley attached to a fuel tanker vehicle along the N1 South, east of Pretoria.

According to police, the incident took place on Sunday, 3 April 2022 during a rainy condition.

Gauteng Traffic Police said investigations into the alleged hitchhiking incident are currently underway and the hitchhiker will be brought to book soon.

A video shared by motorists showed a man sitting in a supermarket shopping trolley and racing on the N1 highway in the rain while holding onto the back of a fuel tanker. The registration plate of the tanker is also visible on the video.

The Gauteng Traffic Police also issued a stern warning to the hitchhikers along Gauteng major routes.

Spokesperson, Sello Maremane said they would like to warn hitchhikers that such irresponsible behaviour is punishable by law enforcement authorities.

“The law is very clear, in terms of Regulation 316 (5) read with section 89 (6) of National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 stipulates that anyone who constitutes a source of danger to himself or herself thereby endangering other road users commits an offence and may be convicted to a one year direct imprisonment without the option of a fine if convicted in a court of law,” Maremane explained.

He further said that road users are encouraged to make use of public transport as an alternative means rather than endangering their lives and that of other road users.

“The members of the public are urged to alert the law enforcement authorities should they observe such unwarranted conduct by hitchhikers.”

Sello Maremane