Warning: This article contains details that might be upsetting to some readers.

A viral video of a Ladysmith man masturbating in his car while driving on the N3 has sent shock waves through the town.

Ladysmith Gazette reports that in the video, a Ladysmith-registered Nissan Qashqai with open windows can be seen speeding past a truck while the truck driver, laughing uncontrollably, films the driver ‘doing his thing.’

The video was posted on a Facebook group for truck drivers but soon went viral. The high cab of the truck gave the trucker a clear view of the incident, and he recorded it while the oblivious driver continued.

By this morning, the video had been viewed over 363 000 times, with more than 2 500 comments ranging from shock and horror to disbelief. Many, however, saw the humour in the situation.

With the aid of the car’s colour, make and number plate, internet sleuths identified the driver within hours.

Under South African common law, the man’s actions could qualify as public indecency. The conduct may also violate Section 9 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007, which relates to public indecency.

Additionally, Section 63(1) of the National Road Traffic Act explicitly prohibits reckless or negligent driving. Such behaviour could result in criminal charges with severe penalties.

The man in the video was identified as a senior member of a local school, whose identity is known to the Ladysmith Gazette. When asked for comment, the school’s legal representatives responded:

“The school is in no position to confirm whether any incident took place or not because the video relates to an incident outside of our client’s control and direct knowledge.

“The person depicted in the video was certainly not acting within the course and scope of employment with our client. Any linking of this incident to our client will be unlawful, wrongful and defamatory. The whole matter is under consideration by our client.”

The Ladysmith Gazette will provide updates as more information becomes available.

The identity of the person involved has been withheld on legal advice.

At the time of publishing, the KZN Department of Education had not responded to questions regarding the incident.

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