Stop-and-search safety check

Driving down a dark and desolate road is daunting to most motorists but a routine trip could lead to anxiety when you suddenly see police lights in your rearview mirror.

“Given the many reports of motorists being hijacked or robbed by dubious criminals posing as police officers, most people do not feel safe to stop when approached by members of the SAPS,” said Capt Nomsa Sekele, spokesperson for the Benoni Police Station.

“Therefore, when hailed for a routine stop-and-search and motorists do not feel safe, we urge you to drive to the nearest filling station or a police station.”

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In this case, motorists must follow these steps:
• Acknowledge the police request to stop by switching on your vehicle’s hazard lights.

• Decrease your speed.

• Put your hand out of the window and indicate that the police vehicle must follow.

• Once at a nearby filling station, park next to the pumps.
Sekele explains that all filling stations have CCTV cameras at the pumps. This footage could be used as evidence should the need for it arises.

• Remain in your vehicle, remain calm and avoid any sudden movements.
“Remember our officers are also on heightened alert as they do not know who they may encounter in the vehicle,” said Sekele.

• Officers must present you with their appointment card which contains a photo of the member as well as their force and ID number.

• Be cooperative at all times.
“We do not merely conduct stop-and-searches because we are bored, chances are that you were identified due to the vehicle that you are driving,” she said.
“Our officers are updated daily of vehicles that may have been used in criminal activity but in cases where registration numbers are lacking, they will conduct searches on vehicles matching the description.
“Another reason for a stop would be that officers witnessed you breaking the law, such as failing to stop at an intersection.”

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