90 passengers found on bus certified for 70, 45 undocumented
Limpopo traffic officers found 45 undocumented passengers on an overloaded bus intercepted on the N1 near Polokwane.
LIMPOPO – A bus travelling from Malawi to Johannesburg was intercepted on the N1 earlier today after traffic officers suspected it was overloaded.
Upon inspection, officers found that the bus – certified to carry 70 passengers – was transporting 90 people.
Passenger list recorded only 25
Adding to the irregularities, the passenger list found on board recorded only 25 passengers.
The bus was escorted to the Polokwane Traffic Control Centre for further processing.
45 passengers undocumented
At the traffic control centre, immigration officers established that 45 passengers did not have proper documentation to be in the country.
What happens next
Alternative transport will be arranged for passengers who are legally in South Africa.
The undocumented passengers will be escorted back to the Beitbridge Border Control Centre for deportation proceedings.
Investigation ongoing
SAPS and Immigration Services are investigating the matter.
Warning from traffic authorities
Limpopo traffic officers reminded all operators that overloading puts lives at risk and is a direct violation of road safety laws.
“Law enforcement will continue to act decisively against such practices,” the department said.
