The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has issued a firm warning to motorists to stop tipping and obeying informal pointsmen, saying the practice not only breaks the law but also fuels vandalism and endangers lives.

According to JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla, it is strictly illegal for any unauthorised individual to direct traffic. The authority to do so rests solely with JMPD officers and officially appointed traffic pointsmen who are properly trained to manage intersections.

“The presence of informal pointsmen poses a serious public safety risk. These individuals are not trained and have no legal authority to be directing vehicles.”

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Fihla has also expressed concern over reports that some individuals deliberately vandalise traffic lights to create opportunities to solicit tips. He confirmed that several arrests have been made in recent months for infrastructure damage involving traffic signal equipment.

Residents are now being urged not to reward or follow these informal pointsmen. “Tipping provides a financial incentive that sustains illegal activity.” “Turn the problem into opportunity,” said Fourways resident Corinna Botoulas.

Botoulas says that while the JMPD is right to crack down on illegal pointsmen, the city should explore ways to formalise and train those individuals who show the willingness to help.

“This is exactly it, we think we’re helping them by giving them money, but actually it’s dragging the entire country down. Instead of just removing them, why not create a programme that gives them proper training and a qualification?”

Botoulas suggested a government-funded initiative similar to the Outsurance pointsmen model, where unemployed people could enrol in basic traffic control courses. Those who pass could earn certification and be added to an official register for deployment during outages or high-traffic periods.

“Even if government spent just a million rand a year training 100 people in the Fourways area, it could make a huge difference. If one of these guys arrived with a uniform, training, and a salary, he wouldn’t have to vandalise traffic lights or beg for tips.”

She also believes the concept could be expanded beyond traffic management to include litter collection, pavement maintenance, and basic by-law monitoring, giving unskilled residents a pathway into meaningful work.

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“There must be a level for people who maybe don’t have matric but still want to contribute. Train them, give them a purpose, and they’ll stop looking for desperate ways to survive. Every human being wants to feel useful.” Corina said she plans to raise the idea at her local DA branch meeting, hoping the discussion could inspire pilot programmes or community partnerships in Johannesburg.

“With all the money that gets wasted or stolen, imagine what could be achieved if even a small portion went into proper training and employment. There’s enough work to be done, we just need to give people the chance to do it.”

Motorists are reminded that following unauthorised instructions does not remove their legal responsibility to drive safely under the National Road Traffic Act. In the case of malfunctioning lights, Fihla reiterated that intersections should be treated as four-way stops unless a uniformed officer is present.

Aggressive informal pointsmen or vandalism incidents can be reported to JMPD via 011 375 5911, 011 354 5918, 0800 002 587, or 011 758 9642.

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