Many Fourways drivers may think they are doing a kind deed when they hand money or food to people manning traffic lights, but recent discussions in the community highlight that this well-intentioned practice could actually put both the public, and those begging, at risk.

Corinna Botoulas, a Lonehill resident, admits she was once unaware of the risks and legal implications. “I thought I was helping poor people, giving them a meal for the day. I had no idea that it was illegal for people to stand at traffic lights. I only learned that now since joining a community group.”

Read more: Fourways resident says, ‘don’t tip informal pointsmen, train them’

The main concern is safety. People standing or sitting at traffic lights, particularly in busy intersections like Main and Cedar roads, are in a vulnerable position. They risk being hit by vehicles, and drivers can be distracted while giving money, increasing the chance of accidents.

Botoulas was also surprised to learn that some individuals may be intentionally damaging traffic lights to solicit donations.

JMPD’s Xolani Fihla said it is strictly illegal for any unauthorised individual, including informal pointsmen, to direct traffic. “This authority is reserved, exclusively, for JMPD officers and officially appointed traffic pointsmen. Informal pointsmen lack the legal authority and training required to manage traffic safely.”

Also read: Informal pointsmen set the record straight

He said the presence of informal pointsmen is deemed a serious public safety risk, and JMPD confirms it takes reports of them deliberately vandalising traffic lights to solicit tips very seriously, viewing this as a criminal offence (infrastructure damage). Officers have recently arrested individuals caught vandalising traffic lights. “The JMPD strongly urges all motorists to stop tipping informal pointsmen. Tipping provides a financial incentive that sustains and reinforces illegal activity.”

Fihla added that motorists who follow the directions of the informal pointsmen are urged to exercise caution, as following an unauthorised instruction does not remove one’s responsibility to drive safely under the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA).

Botoulas hopes her experience can serve as a lesson for others. “I thought I was doing good, but now I understand the risks and the law. If people don’t give money at traffic lights, those dangerous behaviours would stop. Educating the public about this is important.”

Fihla said motorists should treat intersections with non-functioning lights as four-way stops, unless an official, uniformed officer is present. “The public is asked to report any aggressive informal pointsmen, or traffic light vandalism, to the JMPD by calling 011 375 5911, 011 354 5918, 0800 002 587, or 011 758 9642.”

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