WATCH: Two men harass officers in public - 8 top tips for dealing with cops in SA

Cape Town -  Earlier in February, a video of two men harassing police officers was posted on social media.

During what appears to be a traffic stop, one of the men slaps the male officer on the shoulder. He also hits his hat off his head and grabs his radio out of the officer's hand.

Aggressive behaviour

One of the men can also be heard screaming to the officer "Wat is jou naam?!" (What is your name?!)

This illegal behaviour is enough to land both men in hot water, as they are harassing officers. If you are stopped by a law enforcement official , whether you're pulled off at a roadblock, it is best to adhere to the law. However, knowing your rights as a road user as well is the best approach to dealing with the situation is critical.  

We've included advice regarding road blocks in South Africa as well as outlining what your rights are on the road.

Arrive Alive's Johan Jonck said: "There is no place on the South African roads for physical and verbal altercations. Even though this might not be hard-handed physical assault, it is a clear sign of disrespect for our traffic officers and should not be tolerated. Road users and those in traffic enforcement need to act with mutual respect rather than "familiarity"."

Johan Jonck, editor of Arrive Alive, says: "There is no place on the South African roads for physical and/or verbal altercations. Even though the video might not display hard-handed physical assault, it is a clear sign of disrespect for our traffic officers and should not be tolerated.
Both road users and those in traffic enforcement need to act with mutual respect."

Roadblocks in SA

Arrive Alive editor Johan Jonck said: "It is important that road users reduce the anger caused by delays as a result of roadblocks through a better understanding of why they are necessary. Roadblocks should not be seen as merely a fine collection or a money-generating exercise, but as something that is important for the safety of all road users.

"Crime is a significant threat to the safety of road users - not only the reckless and lawless driving by motorists - but also when vehicles are used in the process of committing crimes. Effective roadblocks are the best way to arrest some of the drug traffickers and also stop unlicensed drivers and non-licensed vehicles."

Imperial Auto and Arrive Alive share important tips on dealing with roadblocks in South Africa.

8 things you should know when dealing with a roadblock in SA: 

1. Follow the directions of traffic officers

When approaching a roadblock, follow the police instructions or signals. Pull over and present your driver’s licence or ID book if requested. Remember to be respectful when addressing or responding to the officers on duty – while this may be an inconvenience for you, it’s their job to ask these questions in order to ensure yours and other road users’ safety.

2. You have the right to verify the roadblock

You have the right to verify the authenticity of the roadblock. You are entitled to request to see the written authorisation certificate signed by the National or Provincial Police Commissioner.

3. Know what police can and cannot arrest you for

You can only be arrested in certain instances. For example, if you resist a breathalyser test, the police have the right to detain you and have your blood tested or if your blood alcohol level is found to be over the legal limit of 0.05g per 100ml.

Police can also arrest you at a roadblock for unpaid fines but only if a warrant has been issued against you for those specific fines and the officers can present you with a valid copy of the document.

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4. If your car is unroadworthy you can be stopped from driving it further

If your vehicle is deemed unroadworthy, you may be stopped from driving it any further. Officers can legally prevent you from continuing to use your car if it is not roadworthy, simply because the vehicle is a risk to you and other road users. In some cases, motorists will be allowed to drive the car to their destination if it is a short distance.

5. Gather as much evidence as you can

If you believe traffic officers are violating your rights or abusing their authority, gather as much evidence as you can. You have the right to know and write down both the officer's badge number and the vehicle number (found on the side of their patrol  car/bakkie). Phone 10111 to report the incident and make sure you identify the officer(s). Throughout the process remain calm and act lawfully to protect yourself.

WATCH: How NOT to behave during a roadblock:

6. Uniformed officers have the right to stop any vehicle

An officer in uniform has the right to stop any motorist. Reasons may vary from routine checks, a traffic offence or to investigate possible stolen vehicles or suspicious drivers. Arrive Alive said: "The officer may thoroughly check your vehicle - inside and out - and may request personal information of all passenger."

You have the right to verify the authenticity of the officer by requesting that they identify themselves (i.e badge number).

7. You have the right to film the police in SA

Filming events at a roadblock is not illegal and this is a great way of gathering information in the case of officers acting unlawfully. Minister of community safety in the Western Cape, Dan Plato, said in 2014: "We live in a free and democratic society and the arrest of a citizen for filming an officer committing a crime can and must never be tolerated."

READ: JMPD filmed abusing a driver

SAPS standing Order 156:

   • An officer cannot stop you from taking a photo or video.

   • An officer cannot seize/damage your equipment. An officer cannot force you to delete footage.

8. You can be arrested for verbally abusing an officer 

Arrive Alive: "You cannot be arrested for being rude. If however your rudeness escalates to verbally abusing an officer, you will be committing a crime in the form of criminen injuria - the intentional and unlawful infringement of the dignity of the officer. You could be arrested. An example would be the use of obscene and/or racially offensive language or gestures. If you obstruct the officer from performing his or her duties it will considered criminal."

'The law is there to protect us'

Jonck concludes: "If we obey the rules of the road and when we pay our traffic fines, there should - apart from the unfortunate delays in time to get to our destinations - not be reason for additional anguish and fear. The law is there to protect us from those who abuse their professional duties as law enforcement officers and will continue to do so."

Keeping these tips in mind will help you to make your way through a roadblock safely and efficiently. Make sure you and your family get to your destinations safely by following the rules of the road and complying with police and traffic officers at all time.