A South African man has left the internet both laughing and questioning the fine line between love and obsession after revealing how he once drove five hours from Durban to Phongolo in the middle of the night, just because his girlfriend went to bed unusually early.
The story was shared on TikTok by user @nkanyisozungu5, where it quickly went viral, racking up close to 950,000 views, 100,000 likes, and thousands of comments. In the now-famous clip, the man recounted how a seemingly innocent “goodnight” message from his then-girlfriend spiraled into an all-night road trip filled with paranoia, doubt, and determination.
Suspicion Sparks a Midnight Road Trip
According to the man, his girlfriend, who lived in Phongolo near the Eswatini border, told him around 7 p.m. that she wasn’t feeling well and was going to sleep early. This was unusual since they typically spoke until late at night. Concerned and slightly suspicious, he tried video calling her. Although she appeared fine and alone, an argument ensued, ending with her saying she would no longer answer his calls that night.
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That was all it took to set his heart racing. Convinced that something was amiss, he showered, packed a bag, and hit the road at around 9 p.m. Despite it being a Monday evening and facing a five-hour drive, he pressed on, phoning her repeatedly along the way. By the time he reached Kwabhoboza, he admitted he almost turned back but decided to continue since he was already halfway there.
Arriving at 2 a.m.
At about 2 a.m., he finally reached her boarding house in Phongolo. Desperate to confirm his suspicions, he jumped the high wall, woke the caretaker, and asked to be let inside. After knocking on his girlfriend’s door for ten minutes, she opened—tired and confused—to find him standing outside. To his relief and perhaps embarrassment, she was indeed alone, just as she had claimed.
Social Media Reacts
The dramatic tale instantly struck a chord with South Africans online. Many found his actions hilarious, while others expressed concern about the obsessive undertones. The comments section quickly filled with stories of similar experiences, jokes about “crazy love,” and debates about trust in relationships.
One woman admitted that her partner once showed up unexpectedly after she had simply gone to bed early. Another TikTok user confessed to walking long distances to check up on a girlfriend. Others joked that they wished their partners would display the same level of devotion—even if it bordered on stalking.
Some, however, were quick to caution that such behavior could be unhealthy. One commenter remarked: “Love is a beautiful thing, but things get sour when one becomes obsessed.” Another suggested that insecurities are amplified in long-distance relationships, making situations like this more common.
A Viral Lesson in Love and Trust
The viral video has now become more than just a funny anecdote—it has opened up conversations about the balance between love, trust, and obsession. While some celebrated the man’s dedication, others warned that constantly doubting a partner’s word can erode a relationship.
Whether seen as the ultimate gesture of love or an alarming red flag, one thing is certain: this Durban man’s five-hour drive for answers has left South Africans both amused and reflective about how far people are willing to go in the name of love.
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