POLOKWANE – Traffic officers in Ladanna intercepted a grossly overloaded minibus this morning, which was transporting 22 schoolchildren in a vehicle licensed to carry only seven.

Upon seeing the officers, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, leaving the children unattended.

At the time of the interception, the pupils should have been in class, underscoring a severe breach of both road safety and child welfare.

“A passenger minibus is not a taxi or a mobile classroom, and overloading is a serious offence,” said Thipa Selala, spokesperson for the Polokwane Municipality.

Selala issued a stern reminder to parents, drivers, and transport operators.

“Learner transport is a serious responsibility. Safety must always come first and is non-negotiable. Choosing shortcuts jeopardises lives.”

The Department of Transport and Community Safety said it “will not tolerate such reckless behavior and will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”