A disturbing video doing the rounds on social media has sent shockwaves through the trucking community and beyond. It shows a Namibian police officer repeatedly slapping an unconscious truck driver in a misguided attempt to “wake him up” – while bystanders, including fellow officials, look on without stopping him.
The driver had reportedly pulled off the road shortly before losing consciousness in his cab. Eyewitnesses claim the man is a well-known and experienced driver, known for his professionalism and clean record. What exactly caused him to collapse remains unclear.
While no official statement has been released by medical authorities or police, some reports from those close to the scene suggest the driver may have been suffering from extreme fatigue, with others speculating a possible medical emergency such as a heart episode.
But regardless of the cause, what’s sparked major outrage is the shocking response by the uniformed officer, who can be seen smacking the unconscious man’s leg with force in what appears to be a clueless and inappropriate attempt to revive him.
“You don’t slap a man who’s passed out like that – especially when you don’t know what’s wrong,” said one angry trucker who viewed the footage. “He could have been having a seizure or worse. That slap could’ve done more harm than good.”
Read | Wide Awake Danger: Why Haven’t We Passed Laws to Combat Driver Fatigue?
Due to delays in ambulance arrival, the driver was eventually loaded into a Nampol bakkie and rushed to hospital. Fortunately, sources close to the incident say he has since been discharged and is recovering at home.
This incident has now sparked fierce criticism and calls for mandatory First Aid training for traffic officers and all first responders.
“This shows a complete lack of emergency preparedness. The first thing they teach you in First Aid is not to cause further injury – and here we have a cop treating a medical emergency like a stubborn drunk,” another trucker commented online.
As social media continues to buzz, the bigger question remains: How many more truckers must collapse on duty before serious action is taken to protect their wellbeing and ensure proper response protocols are followed?
To those quick to mock or assume – maybe take a moment to appreciate the brutal grind of trucking life. These drivers carry the economy, often at the cost of their own health.
This wasn’t just a slap – it was a wake-up call for the entire industry.
We demand better. We demand respect for truckers.
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