Road rage escalates
Another video clip depicting road rage in Menlyn has come to light. Viewers have condemned it as crude and disgusting.
Another assault sparked by road rage is being investigated by Gauteng police – this time in Pretoria.
The video clip taken in Menlyn this week, shows a man climbing out of his vehicle and swearing aggressively at an elderly motorist. He uses crude language at the top of his voice, apparently after the other motorist bumped into his Audi on the corner Lois Avenue and Atterbury Road.
Eyewitness News has identified the alleged aggressor as Apostolos “Paul” Maroulis and the elderly man as 65-year-old Jan Swart,
Warrant Officer Dave Miller, spokesperson for the Garsfontein police station, said a charge of assault had been laid against Maroulis. “We have already taken his statement and the docket will be sent to the senior public prosecutor for further investigation,” he said.
He urged the eyewitness who took the video to contact Detective Constable Marudu from the Brooklyn police to come forward.
The video has already gone viral on various social media platforms, and some readers have branded the man’s behaviour as “beyond disgusting” and “sick and disturbing.”
This was the second road rage episode in Gauteng the past week.
The first one took place in Fourways, Johannesburg. Video footage taken by an onlooker shows a man violently attacking and kicking a window of a VW Polo. A Porche is parked next to the Polo, with flicking hazards.
The video depicts a man violently putting his arms through the window of the Polo. According to reports, the Porsche passenger jumped out of the car, ran to the Polo and started kicking in the side door, until he damaged the rear view mirror. He then allegedly started punching the driver in the face.
The alleged attacker, Gregory Kleinhentz, reportedly appeared on a charge of assault in the Randburg Magistrae’s Court on Wednesday. The matter was postponed to 21 August for further investigation.
Arrive Alive offers these tips on handling situations involving aggressive drivers:
— If a driver is putting pressure on you, if possible and safe, move to the left and let the other driver pass you.
— If you are faced with aggressive behaviour, stay calm. Avoid eye contact with the aggressive driver so as not to exacerbate the situation. Do not respond to provocative words or actions. Do not respond with disrespectful words or actions. Do what you can to avoid conflict.
— If an aggressive person leaves his vehicle and heads toward you, Arrive Alive says you should remain in your vehicle and make sure the windows are shut and doors locked.
— Avoid arguing with the aggressive driver, looking at the person or making provocative gestures. Leave the area and go to a place where you can get help.
— Do not go home if the aggressive driver is following you.
— If you’re in traffic and can’t drive away, pick up your cell phone and show the driver you are calling the police. If the person does not back off, honk your horn to attract the attention of other drivers. Note the make of the other driver’s car and his or her license plate.
