Overloaded Zimbabwe buses stopped on N1 with 65 passengers without passports

Two buses travelling from Zimbabwe were intercepted on the N1 near Polokwane on Friday morning after authorities found them overloaded, with 65 passengers reportedly without passports, including 28 minors.

According to the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, the buses were carrying a combined total of 178 passengers, exceeding their permitted capacities.

Department spokesperson Mashudu Mabata said the vehicles were escorted to the Polokwane weighbridge for further inspections.

First bus overloaded by 13 passengers

The first bus had a permitted capacity of 75 passengers but was found carrying 88 people, exceeding its limit by 13.

Mabata said 15 passengers on the bus did not have passports. This included six minors and nine adults.

The vehicle was also found to be 1,080kg overweight on its first axle and was issued with a spot fine.

Second bus carrying 90 passengers

The second bus was designed to carry 74 passengers but had 90 on board, exceeding its capacity by 16.

Authorities found that 50 passengers did not have passports. Of these, 28 were adults and 22 were minors.

The two buses were carrying 178 passengers in total, raising concerns about both passenger safety and documentation compliance.

Immigration officials conduct checks

Immigration officials and K9 units were deployed at the scene to verify passengers’ documentation and carry out further checks.

Mabata said authorities would take action against both drivers.

“The two drivers will be charged and detained in terms of Section 42 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002: aiding and abetting of illegal foreigners,” she said.

The incident highlights the enforcement challenges faced by authorities monitoring cross-border passenger transport, particularly where vehicle capacity, road safety and immigration requirements are concerned.

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Source: IOL