Pretoria – THE GAUTENG traffic police have issued a “stern warning” to hitch-hikers on the province’s major routes following two videos trending on social media showing a hitch-hiker travelling in a grocery trolley attached to an Engen fuel tanker along the N1 South, east of Pretoria.

Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson Sello Maremane said the incident captured on video took place on Sunday, during rainy conditions experienced in the province.

“Investigations into the alleged hitch-hiking incident are currently under way and the hitch-hiker will be brought to book soon,” Maremane said .

Look at this: on the freeway outside Pretoria. @GTP_Traffstats @TrafficRTMC @MbalulaFikile pic.twitter.com/lIWFlB8aPs
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) April 3, 2022

The Gauteng traffic police have condemned the daredevil’s “irresponsible behaviour”.

“The Gauteng Traffic Police would like to warn hitch-hikers 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 the 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 said.

“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 public is urged to alert the law enforcement authorities should they observe such unwarranted conduct by hitch-hikers.

It is uncertain whether or not the driver of the truck knew the man was holding onto the vehicle, but from his position in the video, it appears he is not visible on either one of the side mirrors.