POLOKWANE – A severely overloaded cross-border bus travelling from Gauteng to Malawi was stopped by law enforcement officers on the N1 bypass adjacent to the Peter Mokaba Stadium after it was found to be carrying nearly double its legal capacity.

The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety says the 65-seat bus was transporting a total of 117 occupants, including one driver, 101 adult passengers and 15 minors, exceeding its permitted capacity by 52 passengers.

Transport spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala said the vehicle was intercepted during routine traffic monitoring and was redirected to the Provincial Traffic Control Centre (PTCC).

However, it became immobilised a short distance from the Polokwane weighbridge while being escorted.

“During the stop, the driver allegedly attempted to flee the scene but was swiftly intercepted, restrained and arrested by members of the SAPS, with assistance from Limpopo Traffic Officers,” his statement read.

Taueatsoala said the bus will remain impounded at the PTCC until all excess passengers are safely removed and the required fine has been paid.

“Further investigations into possible contraventions, including passenger safety and cross-border transport regulations, are ongoing,” he said.

The department reiterated its warning to transport operators that overloading vehicles, particularly on long-distance and cross-border routes, poses a serious risk to passenger safety and will not be tolerated.