A private investigator has urged motorists to exercise caution when taking the fastest route suggested by their GPS navigation apps after he was directed through an unfamiliar area of Johannesburg late on Monday night (October 5). 

Brad Nathanson, who spent 46 years in law enforcement, said he had been in some ‘seriously dangerous situations’ during his career but was extremely uncomfortable while travelling in a hired car in Alexandra.  

Detailing his experience in a post on Facebook, Nathanson said he was driving to his accommodation in Sandton and, because he did not know Johannesburg particularly well, he put the destination into his GPS and followed the directions. 

“The GPS took me off the highway and directed me through Alexandra,” said Nathanson.  

“It was pitch dark. Refuse was burning at numerous points along the roads. There were huge numbers of people in the streets and taxis everywhere. Traffic lights weren’t working, and there was virtually no street lighting. I had absolutely no idea what was happening or where I was.” 

Tense environment 

Nathanson added that he realised he was in an extremely tense environment. 

“I was, quite literally, the only sedan amongst what seemed like an endless stream of taxis and pedestrians. I’m not someone who is easily unnerved. But I’ll be honest, I was extremely uncomfortable. 

“These navigation systems are incredibly useful, but they are designed to find you a route, often the fastest route. They don’t necessarily know that the route you’re being sent along may put you into an area where you would not normally choose to travel, particularly after dark,” he said. 

Nathanson added that he was alone, unfamiliar with the area, and unarmed. 

“I didn’t know what the situation was or what might happen next, and that’s when another thought struck me: What if that had been a woman travelling alone? What if it had been an elderly person? A young person? A tourist from another country? Someone who had absolutely no idea where they were? They would have been completely reliant on their GPS to get them out,” said Nathanson.  

Similar experiences 

His post garnered more than 500 comments, with many social media users sharing their own experiences. 

Candi Elisabettini shared that she ended up in Hillbrow at night after being rerouted around an accident, before a bystander helped guide her to safety.  

Julie Bamberger said that navigation systems frequently route drivers through high-risk areas or roads in poor condition, increasing the chance of getting a flat tyre. 

Lea dos Santos noted a similar issue in Durban, where drivers leaving the airport at night are often routed along the new KwaMashu Highway. 

Marion Scott recalled being routed through Khayelitsha early in the morning while driving alone to the Cape Town airport to avoid traffic. 

Essential safety tips for motorists 

• Check your route before leaving. 

• Look at the general areas you are being directed through. 

• If possible, stay on major highways and well-lit main roads. 

• Do not automatically accept the ‘fastest route’. 

• If something does not look or feel right, stop somewhere safe and reassess. 

• If you are travelling alone, tell someone where you are going. 

Nathanson added that the experience was quite shocking and reinforced his belief that the shortest route is not necessarily the safest route. 

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