Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
TWO buses travelling from Zimbabwe to South Africa have been intercepted on the N1 highway near Polokwane for overloading, with dozens of passengers reportedly travelling without passports.
The buses were escorted to the Polokwane Weighbridge for further inspections after authorities in South Africa’s Limpopo Province detected multiple violations.
In a statement on Friday, the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety said the first bus was carrying 88 passengers against its authorised capacity of 75, exceeding the limit by 13.
“During the inspection, passengers without passports were identified. The reported breakdown indicates 6 minors and 9 adults,” reads the statement.
The second bus was carrying 90 passengers against its authorised capacity of 74, exceeding the limit by 16.
Authorities also reportedly found that 50 passengers on the second bus did not have passports, comprising 28 adults and 22 minors.
“The bus was also found to be overweight, and the driver was charged accordingly,” the department said.
Immigration officials and K9 units were called in to assist with passenger verification and further checks on the buses.
The department condemned the violations and warned transport operators to comply with road safety regulations, particularly during October Transport Month, when authorities are intensifying efforts to promote safer travel.
“The Department strongly condemns these violations, particularly as they occur during October Transport Month, when MEC Nakedi Kekana is leading initiatives to promote safer transport and compliance with road safety regulations across all transport systems,” the statement reads.
The department reiterated that road safety was a shared responsibility and warned that those found violating the law would face the consequences.
