“I Can’t Believe It”: Mzansi Can’t Deal With a Taxi Driver’s Hilarious Prank on His Passengers

• A TikTok user shared a viral video showing a taxi driver pretending to be in a concerning state before getting into his vehicle
• The taxi driver was filmed walking towards his parked vehicle in an unsteady manner, struggling to get into the taxi while passengers watched from inside
• South Africans flooded the comments asking why the passengers remained seated despite the driver's obvious condition
• Briefly News spoke to medical expert Jayshri Rangasamy regarding the signs of being drunk, and how a person can be sure of a person being drunk or if they're pulling a prank

A South African taxi driver has left social media users both amused and concerned after a video of his unusual prank went viral.

The clip, shared by Mpumalanga-based TikTok user @siphelele.gibeni on 3 September 2025, quickly gained massive attention, racking up over 1.4 million views within 16 hours, along with 98,900 reactions and more than 3,000 comments.

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The video shows the taxi driver being filmed from across the street as he approaches his parked vehicle on the side of the road. Instead of walking normally, the driver pretends to be unsteady on his feet, stumbling and swaying as he makes his way towards the taxi. His movements clearly mimic someone who has been drinking, creating an alarming scene for anyone watching.

When the driver reaches the taxi, he struggles to climb inside, holding onto the door handle and appearing to lose his balance. A passenger can be seen poking their head out from the back window, trying to see what's happening. Eventually, the driver manages to get into the taxi and closes the door, but the video cuts off before viewers can see what happens next.

The prank has sparked heated debate online, with many viewers questioning why the passengers remained in the taxi despite the driver's concerning behaviour.

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Mzansi reacts to taxi prank

Social media users had mixed reactions to the viral prank, with many expressing concern about the passengers' safety.

@Cthembileh Chilie admitted:

"Am I toxic for wanting to hear what they're saying inside 😂😂"

@Taylor shared:

"😳 I can't believe they are all still sitting in the taxi, I'd be out of there 😂😂😂"

@Siaspora complained:

"Camera man, you only had one job, to record the reaction of the people inside, but you failed us.🤣"

@nthabelenglikotsi requested:

"We need the full video, please 😂🤣😂"

@Mario Thomas argued:

"That's not a prank!"

@ust_nqoh demanded:

"We want to see what happened after he got in 😂😂😂"

@Msikablade added:

"We wanna see 'a few moments later'🤣🤣🤣"

Legal consequences of drunk driving

According to Meyer & Partners Attorneys, drunk driving is a serious criminal offence in South Africa with severe legal consequences. The legal blood alcohol limit for regular drivers is 0.05 grams per 100 millilitres of blood, while professional drivers like taxi operators face an even stricter limit of 0.02 grams per 100 millilitres.

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Penalties for drunk driving include criminal charges, fines, licence suspension, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record. Professional drivers can lose their jobs, and insurance companies typically refuse to cover accidents involving drunk drivers. Law enforcement uses breathalysers, sobriety checkpoints, and field tests to catch offenders, making it a risky behaviour with long-lasting consequences.

Speaking to Briefly News writer, Nerissa Naidoo, medical expert Jayshri Rangasamy discussed the signs of being drunk, and how a person can be sure of a person being drunk or if they're pulling a prank. She stated:

"To tell if someone is drunk or just pretending, observe their physical and behavioural cues. Drunk individuals often show signs like slurred speech, poor coordination, confusion, and the smell of alcohol. In contrast, someone pranking may exaggerate these behaviours but remain alert, coordinated, and responsive when not being watched."

"You can test gently by asking unexpected questions or observing their reactions when they’re not the centre of attention. Consistency and physical signs are key indicators to help you tell the difference."

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Watch the TikTok clip below:

Other stories about South African pranks

• Briefly News recently reported on a woman who pranked her grandmother and another elderly lady with a fake beverage, but the grandmother's reaction to discovering the truth had viewers questioning whether family pranks can go too far.
• A group of South African teachers fell victim to a rubber snake prank at their school, but their terrified screams and dramatic reactions had many wondering if workplace pranks are appropriate in professional settings.
• A taxi passenger pulled off a tokoloshe prank that left fellow commuters stunned, but the cultural superstitions involved had some questioning whether traditional beliefs should be used for entertainment.

Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.

Source: Briefly News