There are growing concerns over a risky ‘trend’ by adrenaline junkie teenagers who have been spotted jumping on moving municipal buses for a free ride on the back of the buses.
Residents of Newlands East said they have seen teenagers following this trend time and time again. The concerned residents have called on police to take action against the ‘reckless’ teenagers who cling onto moving buses. This act is called bus-surfing. Bus-surfing is when one risks their life by clinging on a moving bus, often a competition between two people to see who can stand and hold the longest. This is illegal and extremely dangerous as the ‘passenger’ could easily fall off and get killed or injured. Resident, Shaun Govender, said police need to take action by arresting teenagers who bus-surf. “I am a parent to a teenager myself and if I would find out that he is following this illegal trend, I would discipline him. Police need to arrest teens who bus-surf as a form of punishment. This act is illegal and police need to put an end to it,” she added.
Community liaison officer of the Newlands East Watch Community Safety, Joanne Ryan said, in Newlands East, she thinks that most teenagers who bus-surf are boys who want a free ride either to the local grounds or to wherever they are going but they do not have bus-fare. “This ‘trend’ is happening on many roads in Newlands East. The boys cling onto moving buses and trucks to get a free ride. We as residents have reprimanded them many times but they do it anyway. This is dangerous as they can slip and fall and they are also endangering their lives. We are urging residents or motorists to make them stop when they see them doing it,” said Ryan. Ward 11 Councillor, Joyce Johnson, said she has also seen teenagers clinging on at the back of moving buses in the area. “I called them out and told them how dangerous it is. I am calling on parents, and schools to do awareness campaigns to educate teenagers on the dangers of bus-surfing. Some of these teenagers are from Quarry Heights and they require a free ride to the sports grounds. Parents should know where their children are at all times. This is a very dangerous trend, it needs to stop immediately before we lose precious lives.”
Durban Metro Police spokesperson, Superintendent Parboo Sewpersad said parents should take full responsibility of their children and know their whereabouts 24/7. “Not only is jumping onto a moving object very dangerous but it is also illegal. The teenagers who do this could lose their lives or get seriously injured when they fail to hold on the grip. Parents will be held liable for their children’s reckless behaviour,” he said. Superintendent Sewpersad has urged residents who witness this act to call, Emergency services number on 031-361-0000 .
