Man in a shopping trolley clings to the back of a tanker speeding down a South African highway

The shocking footage was taken on the N1 highway in Pretoria, South Africa
People filmed the man holding on to the fuel tanker as it sped along the wet road
The unidentified man even smiled and waved to motorists as they drove past
Police say they're investigating the incident, which took place on Sunday, April 3

Police are investigating after a South African man was filmed hitching a ride on the back of a fuel tanker while sat in a shopping trolley.

The jaw-dropping footage, which was taken on the N1 highway in Pretoria, South Africa, on Sunday, shows the trolley travelling at high speed in rainy conditions.

Gauteng Traffic Police says it is looking into the incident and if found the man could be sent to prison for up to a year.

The man was seen hanging on to the fuel tanker as it drove down the N1 highway in Pretoria on Sunday, April 3

Dramatic footage taken from several vehicles shows the man, who is wearing a yellow coat and has blue plastic bags over his feet, hanging onto the back of the fuel tanker.

In one video he looks over to the right, at which point he smiles and waves at the person behind the camera.

Footage taken from another angle shows him hanging on with both hands to the lorry, which has Engen branding, as it kicks up spray from the wet road.

One passenger in the car can be heard saying the man 'has a death wish'.

Sello Maremane, spokesperson for Gauteng Traffic Police, blasted the man's behaviour and said it was 'irresponsible and illegal', Rekord reports.

The man smiled and waved at people who were taking pictures and videos of him on the wet road

He added the man's actions put himself and other people at risk and it would 'never be tolerated' by police.

In a statement released on Twitter Mr Maremane said: 'The Gauteng Traffic Police would like to warn hitchhikers that such irresponsible behaviour is punishable by law enforcement authorities.

He added: 'One may be convicted to a one-year direct imprisonment without the option of a fine if convicted in a court of law.

'Road users are encouraged to make use of public transport as an alternative means rather than endangering their lives and that of other road users.'

He added that members of the public who see 'unwarranted conduct by hitchhikers' should contact the police.

In a statement Engen, the company whose fuel tanker the man was attached to, said the driver was made aware of what was happening by members of the public and safely stopped the vehicle.

It said: 'Engen notes with great concern a video clip being circulated on social media in which a person in a shopping trolley is seen hitched to the back of an Engen Bulk Fuel Truck driving on the N4 West near Pretoria on Sunday, 3 April 2022.

'Engen takes this matter extremely seriously.

'As a company that adheres to stringent safety practices and procedures, Engen advocates a non-negotiable commitment to safety that is embraced and promoted at all levels of its business.

'Engen thanks members of the public who alerted the Engen Bulk Fuel Truck driver to the matter and commends the driver for safely bringing the vehicle to a stop.

'Upon investigation by the driver, the man in the trolley fled the scene. No injuries were reported.

'Engen kindly requests members of the public to refrain from engaging in this extremely dangerous behaviour.

'Engen also encourages motorists and communities to report so-called 'truck surfers' to SAPS, which can potentially save a life, as well protect fellow motorists and pedestrians.'

The video was widely shared on Twitter, with one version shared by journalist Yusuf Abramjee being viewed more than 188,000 times in two days.

Users on the social media platform saw the funny side, with some even praising the hitchhiker for his reckless actions.

People on social media were shocked by the dramatic footage when it was shared online

@Thabzo_ said: 'I'm looking at the positive side of this. This guy is showing that you can go anywhere you want in life and it doesn't matter how you get there, what matters is getting there by any means necessary. I'm motivated by this champ.'

@Song04388003 added: 'Indeed. Nothing is impossible, only if the truck does to where he wanted to go, otherwise he is going to struggle to go back.'

@Charles86425587 wrote: 'Maybe a supermarket was making an advert for their good quality trolleys - let's think positive otherwise we will die of heart attack.'

@S11E11B11A added: 'Petrol is expensive. I get him.'

Not everyone agreed though, with @YourboiPaska writing: 'What scares me is the fact that he is not only putting his life in danger, but other people's lives who are driving responsibly. Can cause a serious multi-vehicle crush.'