WATCH: JMPD officers sing 'Happy Birthday' to driver at roadblock

JMPD officers sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to driver at roadblock Photo: Screenshot of video

WATCH: JMPD officers sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to driver at roadblock

A JMPD officer recently saw that it was the driver’s birthday, and they all gathered together to sing for him. Watch video here.

WATCH: JMPD officers sing 'Happy Birthday' to driver at roadblock

JMPD officers sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to driver at roadblock Photo: Screenshot of video

A video is doing the rounds on social media after Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers started singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to a driver at a roadblock.

THE SPECIAL MOMENT WAS CAPTURED ON CAMERA

Let’s face it, it is not always the most pleasant experience to get pulled over by law enforcement – in fact we all dread it.

After asking the driver for his license, the JMPD officer saw that it was the driver’s birthday, and they all gathered together to sing for him.

Not only did we love this, but social media users praised the officers.

Some ask which province they can relocate to, and others say it was a beautiful moment.

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WATCH VIDEO:

Things you should know when dealing with a roadblock in SA: 

  • Follow the directions of traffic officers – When approaching a roadblock, follow the police instructions or signals. Pullover 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 your and other road users’ safety.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 crimen 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 be considered criminal.”