Are Johannesburg’s ‘unofficial traffic controllers’ disabling traffic lights?

Residents in Fourways have been voicing concerns over ‘unofficial traffic controllers’ who have been directing traffic at major intersections.

While some community members appreciate the efforts of these informal traffic directors, others are questioning their motives and methods.

Ward 93 Councillor Vino Reddy and some residents have accused these informal traffic directors of deliberately disabling robots at intersections in order to profit from directing traffic.

Two of these individuals – Lebogang and Adam – have defended their actions, telling the Fourways Review that they are assisting with traffic flow, not disrupting it.

“We are helping people, they then give us money or food, but we don’t disconnect any traffic light or even know how they are disconnected,” they said.

“We target traffic lights that have not been working for a long time, and where there are no police or traffic directors to help with traffic.”

Demanding payment in exchange for their services

According to the Fourways Review, Lebogang and Adam often operate at the busy intersection of Witkoppen and Main Road. While the pair insist their goal is to enhance road safety and order, even taxi drivers have raised their suspicions.

“During peak hours the traffic lights are not working; we have ‘pointermens’ directing traffic but during normal hours you will find traffic lights working,” said local taxi driver Mangwane Hlongwane.

“This is indeed beginning to be suspicious and these traffic directors demand money, often violently, when controlling traffic.”

Four-way stop at faulty traffic lights

Superintendent Xolano Fihla of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has advised motorists against paying these informal traffic directors, and in the absence of pointsmen to treat the intersection as a compulsory stop.

“This practice not only encourages them to continue but also leads some to tamper with traffic lights for monetary gains,” Fihla said.

“This behaviour also poses a significant risk to these unauthorised individuals, who may be hit by vehicles.”

Reddy, who is also convinced the traffic lights are being sabotaged, has echoed Fihla’s sentiments. He has urged residents to report malfunctioning robots and refrain from tipping unofficial traffic controllers.

“It’s unacceptable that these individuals are disabling our traffic lights to line their pockets,” Reddy added.

“They’re not providing a service, they’re creating a hazard.”