Over 70 vehicles impounded in Limpopo school transport crackdown
In the past week, seventy-six vehicles were impounded in Limpopo for illegal and unsafe scholar transport, including cases of overloading.
LIMPOPO – More than 70 vehicles ferrying schoolchildren have been taken off Limpopo’s roads in a major safety crackdown by provincial authorities.
The operations targeted illegal and dangerous scholar transport across several towns.
Province says ‘safety is non-negotiable’
According to Matome Taueatsoala, spokesperson for the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, a series of “Safer Scholar Transport” operations led to the impoundment of multiple buses, minibuses, and other vehicles in recent weeks. These operations took place in Lebowakgomo, Mankweng, Thabazimbi, and the Mphahlele area.
Officials reported finding vehicles being used without the required permits, in poor mechanical condition, or dangerously overloaded.
“The safety of our learners is non-negotiable. We strongly condemn the operators’ reckless behaviour,” stated Taueatsoala.
More than 70 vehicles ferrying schoolchildren have been taken off Limpopo’s roads in a major safety crackdown by provincial authorities. pic.twitter.com/BiAbGZubxl
— Polokwane Observer (@PolokwaneObserv) January 28, 2026
Cases of abandonment and overloading cited
In one alarming case in the Ga-Ledwaba area, a transport operator reportedly abandoned a group of learners, leaving them stranded far from their schools.
A separate inspection found a minibus, legally allowed to carry only 14 people, transporting 27 learners.
In Lebowakgomo, 23 vehicles were impounded, and another 28 in Mankweng.
In Thabazimbi alone, a single operation on January 27 inspected 86 vehicles, resulting in 10 impoundments and 13 summonses.
A subsequent operation in the Capricorn District impounded a further 15 vehicles.
Authorities have urged all school transport operators to ensure their vehicles are legally compliant and roadworthy, and prioritise the safety of children above all else.
