Online Reporter
JOHANNESBUG. — An overloaded cross-border bus travelling from Gauteng to Malawi was intercepted by traffic authorities on the N1 bypass near Polokwane yesterday morning, Limpopo transport officials said.
The 65-seater bus was stopped at about 9 am on December 18, adjacent to the Peter Mokaba Stadium, after officers observed that it was severely overloaded.
According to the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, the bus was carrying a total of 117 occupants — comprising one driver, 101 passengers and 15 minors — exceeding its legal capacity by 52 passengers.
While being redirected to the Provincial Traffic Control Centre (PTCC), the vehicle became immobilised a short distance from the Polokwane weighbridge. During the stop, the driver allegedly attempted to flee the scene but was intercepted, restrained and arrested by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Limpopo traffic officers.
The department said the bus will remain at the PTCC until the excess passengers are offloaded and the prescribed fine is paid. Further investigations are continuing.
The incident comes amid heightened road safety operations as authorities intensify enforcement during the festive travel period.
In October, IOL reported that Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba described the deadly N1 bus crash that claimed 43 lives as “a preventable disaster” and “an act of criminal negligence,” following revelations that the vehicle was overloaded, unroadworthy and speeding when it plunged down a steep embankment near Louis Trichardt. — IOL
Mathew Masinge