Road Rage: A Deadly Epidemic Gripping South Africa’s Roads

Johannesburg, 13 February 2026

South Africa’s roads have long been among the most dangerous in the world, but a growing menace is turning everyday commutes into potential battlegrounds: road rage. Defined as aggressive or violent behaviour triggered by traffic frustrations, road rage is no longer just about honking or rude gestures—it frequently escalates into life-threatening confrontations involving weapons, assaults and even murder. Official statistics paint a grim picture of its toll, while road safety authorities warn that the phenomenon is deeply embedded in the country’s high-stress driving culture.

Data from the South African Police Service (SAPS) underscores the scale of the problem. In the second quarter of 2024 alone (July to September), road rage, arguments and provocation accounted for 1,069 of the 6,323 murders recorded nationwide. The same period saw 1,815 attempted murder cases and 19,431 incidents of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm linked to road-related disputes. These figures represent a persistent trend: earlier quarters in 2023 showed comparable numbers, with road rage contributing to over 1,000 murders, thousands of attempted murders and tens of thousands of serious assaults in just three months. The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and organisations like Arrive Alive have noted a steady rise in reported incidents over recent years, particularly in urban centres where congestion amplifies frustrations.

The dangers associated with road rage extend far beyond the immediate participants. What begins as a minor disagreement—such as a perceived slight over lane-changing or parking—can rapidly spiral into physical violence. In documented cases, motorists have been shot, stabbed or beaten, often over trivial triggers like a parking spot or a slow driver. These confrontations frequently involve firearms or other weapons, reflecting broader societal patterns of violence in South Africa. Innocent bystanders, including passengers, pedestrians and other road users, are also at risk when aggressive driving leads to collisions or chases.

Beyond physical harm, the psychological impact is profound. Survivors of road rage attacks may suffer from post-traumatic stress, anxiety or a lasting fear of driving. For families, the loss of loved ones in these preventable incidents adds to the emotional and economic burden. Research from bodies like the Medical Research Council and universities highlights how road rage compounds South Africa’s already alarming road fatality rates, which far exceed global averages. A culture of aggression on the roads, combined with factors such as high traffic volumes, economic pressures and desensitisation to violence, creates a volatile mix that turns minor irritations into tragedies.

Younger drivers appear disproportionately involved. One survey by the Automobile Association (AA) of South Africa found that nearly half of aggressive driving incidents were attributed to motorists aged 18 to 25. Metropolitan areas, with their dense traffic and diverse road users, report the highest concentrations of such behaviour. International comparisons have at times ranked South African drivers among the most prone to aggressive conduct, a distinction linked to inadequate public transport alternatives and the daily grind of long commutes.

While the statistics are sobering, authorities emphasise that road rage is not inevitable. Road safety campaigns, including those run by Arrive Alive and the RTMC, promote proactive measures to keep motorists out of compromising positions. These recommendations are grounded in research and real-world experience, focusing on prevention through awareness, courtesy and self-control.

Key strategies to avoid road rage include:

  • Plan journeys in advance: Leaving sufficient time for trips reduces stress and the urge to rush, which often triggers impatience.
  • Maintain a calm mindset: Focus solely on the road, ignoring external worries. Listening to soothing music or practising deep breathing can help diffuse built-up tension.
  • Drive courteously and defensively: Yield when safe, avoid tailgating, and never overtake aggressively. These habits prevent escalating situations.
  • Refrain from retaliation: If provoked—whether by hooting, gestures or cutting off—do not respond. Avoid eye contact with aggressive drivers, as it can be interpreted as a challenge.
  • Stay in your vehicle: In the event of confrontation, keep doors locked and windows up. Do not exit to argue or gesture; the safety of your car provides the best protection.
  • Count to ten: A simple pause before reacting can break the cycle of escalation.
  • Report rather than confront: Use emergency services or the RTMC hotline (0861 400 800) to flag dangerous behaviour instead of engaging directly.
  • Avoid alcohol and fatigue: These impair judgment and heighten irritability, making drivers more susceptible to rage.

Experts stress that changing personal behaviour is the most effective defence. By refusing to participate in conflict, motorists deny road rage the fuel it needs to ignite. Public education initiatives continue to push for greater enforcement of traffic laws and harsher penalties for aggressive driving, alongside calls for better driver training and mental health support.

As South Africa grapples with this silent killer, the message from safety organisations is clear: road rage thrives on reaction. In a country where thousands already lose their lives on the roads each year, staying vigilant, courteous and composed is not just good manners—it is a matter of survival. Motorists who adopt these habits not only protect themselves but contribute to safer roads for everyone.

PrimeTime News urges all drivers to prioritise calm and caution. The next confrontation could be the one that changes lives forever.

Transnet Dismisses Employee After Video Imitating Child with Disability Sparks Outrage

Johannesburg – Ndzudzeni Ratshilumela, a content creator employed as a locomotive worker at Transnet in Ladysmith, has been dismissed by the state-owned logistics company following the circulation of a video in which he imitated the dance movements of a child with a disability.

The video, which has since been removed, showed Ratshilumela seated on a couch wearing a yellow t-shirt and jeans as he replicated the child’s movements. The clip spread rapidly on social media platforms, drawing criticism for its portrayal of the child’s condition.

Reports indicate that Ratshilumela, who is Venda-born, had previously posted similar content involving individuals with disabilities. This pattern contributed to the intensity of the public response after the latest video surfaced.

In the days following the video’s viral spread, Ratshilumela’s main Facebook account, which had accumulated more than 700,000 followers, was deactivated. His TikTok account was also suspended amid a wave of reports from users.

Transnet confirmed it had received complaints about the posts and launched an internal investigation. The company stated that the conduct conflicted with its organisational values of respect, dignity, inclusion, and care. It emphasised that discrimination and the humiliation of others have no place in the company or the communities it serves. Following the disciplinary process, Transnet terminated Ratshilumela’s employment.

The incident took place while Ratshilumela was off duty. He later issued an apology, describing the video as an honest joke and posting a response that included the phrase “Ndori sorry” on a backup Facebook page he opened after the deactivation of his primary account.

The events have highlighted the rapid consequences that can follow from social media content. Users across platforms expressed strong views on the responsibilities of content creators when depicting vulnerable individuals, particularly children with disabilities. The case has also prompted renewed online conversations about the boundaries of imitation and humour in digital spaces.

Ratshilumela’s dismissal marks the conclusion of Transnet’s response to the matter, with the company reinforcing its position against any form of conduct that undermines respect for others. The full sequence—from the video’s posting to the loss of social media accounts and employment—unfolded over a short period in early February 2026.

Gauteng Traffic Police Recover Multiple Hijacked and Stolen Vehicles in Johannesburg Operations

Johannesburg – Authorities in Gauteng have recovered several hijacked and stolen vehicles during coordinated intelligence-driven operations conducted across Johannesburg Central and surrounding areas.

The operations involved members of the Gauteng Traffic Police and Gauteng Traffic Wardens STT (Central Corridor), working in collaboration with JMPD K9, Car Track, Tracker SA, and Rentrak.

Among the vehicles recovered were:

  • An Isuzu KB250 bakkie that had been taken during a house robbery in Rosettenville. It was located in the Johannesburg CBD on Rissik Street.
  • A hijacked Hino truck, found inside a yard in Ennerdale.
  • A stolen Toyota Hilux, recovered in Lenasia.
  • A hijacked FAW truck, recovered in Devland.
  • A Chevrolet that was hijacked in Orlando, discovered abandoned at a complex in Ennerdale Extension 3.
  • A hijacked Mahindra pick-up bakkie, recovered in the Meriting informal settlement in Finetown.
  • A hijacked Toyota Quantum that was taken in Potchefstroom, recovered at a yard in Protea Glen. One suspect was arrested in connection with this vehicle.
  • A second hijacked Mahindra pick-up bakkie, recovered in Finetown on Phillip Street.

The recoveries form part of ongoing efforts focused on vehicle theft and hijacking in the region. All vehicles have been secured by the relevant authorities for further investigation and return to their owners where possible.

Suspects Fatally Shot During Robbery at Viva Petrol Station in Mamelodi

Pretoria, South Africa – February 12, 2026

Armed robbers targeted the Viva Petrol Station at the intersection of K54 and Tsamaya Road in Mamelodi, Pretoria, in the early hours of Thursday morning, leading to a violent confrontation in which some suspects were shot dead and firearms were recovered.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 AM. According to reports from the scene, the perpetrators attempted to gain access to the station’s cash safe by using explosives. Multiple blasts were reported in the area, consistent with the bombing of a drop safe, a tactic sometimes used in business robberies in South Africa. Nearby residents described hearing a series of explosions, with some accounts specifying around three blasts before gunfire erupted.

During the robbery, a shootout took place at the petrol station. Initial reports indicate that several suspects were fatally shot in the exchange. Firearms belonging to the suspects were seized at the scene. Details on the exact number of individuals killed, any possible survivors or arrests, and whether any cash was taken remain limited as the situation is still developing.

Community members and local alerts described the station’s security as responding effectively to the threat. Some accounts from people in the vicinity mentioned the sound of sustained gunfire following the explosions and the possible involvement of aerial support, such as a helicopter, during the response.

The Viva Petrol Station on Tsamaya Road is a well-known fuel stop in the Mamelodi township. Similar robberies involving the bombing of cash safes or ATMs have occurred at other petrol stations in the Mamelodi area in recent years, including incidents in 2024 where explosives damaged drop safes and, in at least one case, resulted in the death of a petrol attendant.

As of the latest available information, no official statement has been released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) detailing the full circumstances, the identities or number of suspects involved, or the outcome for any station staff or bystanders. Investigations into the robbery, the use of explosives, and the fatal shooting are underway.

This event adds to ongoing concerns about armed business robberies and cash-safe bombings in Gauteng townships, where criminals frequently target high-cash businesses during off-peak hours.

Further updates are expected once police confirm details from the scene and forensic investigations. Authorities have not yet commented on any potential links to other recent crimes in the region.

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