Law enforcement agencies have been directed to arrest popular radio personality Penny Ntuli and her friend after a video of them twerking on the side of a busy highway went viral on social media.
The footage, which spread rapidly across TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, showed the pair dancing provocatively and playfully near fast-moving traffic.
While some online users dismissed the act as youthful exuberance, others described it as irresponsible and a potential threat to road safety.
In a strongly worded statement issued by the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the behavior, insisting that freedom of expression must not be exercised at the expense of public safety.
“South Africans must exercise their freedoms responsibly. Endangering oneself and other road users under the guise of entertainment is unacceptable. Law enforcement has been directed to act swiftly,” the statement read in part.
Authorities have since classified the incident as reckless endangerment, stressing that roadside distractions of such nature could easily trigger fatal accidents. Traffic safety advocates have also backed the government’s position, noting that viral challenges and social media-driven stunts are increasingly putting lives at risk.
As of press time, police had yet to confirm whether Ntuli and her companion had been taken into custody, but reports suggest security operatives have begun tracing their whereabouts.
The incident has reignited debate about the influence of social media on public behavior in South Africa, with critics urging celebrities and influencers to act more responsibly given their large followings.
