Polokwane – Authorities in Limpopo intercepted two cross‑border buses carrying far more passengers than allowed, raising safety concerns in a province already struggling with fatal bus accidents.
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety said the buses were stopped early on Sunday, 16 December, at the Zebediela Traffic Control Centre. The first bus, licensed for 63 passengers, carried 72 adults and 10 children on its journey from Durban to Zimbabwe. The second bus, certified for 70 adults, was found with 67 adults and 12 minors traveling from Johannesburg to Zimbabwe. Both buses were detained along with more than 20 other vehicles, including light delivery trucks and heavy vehicles with unroadworthy trailers.
MEC Violet Mathe called for stronger cooperation between provinces, noting that it is unacceptable for overloaded buses to travel long distances before being stopped. She warned transport operators that safety breaches will not be tolerated and pledged continued action against irresponsible drivers.
Additional enforcement followed on Wednesday, 17 December, when a north‑bound bus arriving at the Mantsole Traffic Control Centre weighbridge was found overloaded by 5 640 kg on both front and rear axles. The bus, carrying over 90 passengers mostly women and children, exceeded its licensed capacity of 65 seats while traveling from Gauteng to Malawi. It was declared unroadworthy and remained at the weighbridge until alternative transport could be arranged.
During operations on 16 December, authorities screened 62 cross‑border buses, issuing 26 overloading charges. The department urged operators to ensure proper load distribution and vehicle roadworthiness before embarking on journeys.
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