Overloaded Malawian bus stopped on N1 near Botlokwa
A Malawian bus with 104 passengers on a 60-seater was intercepted on the N1 near Botlokwa. All 34 passports on board were declared invalid.
LIMPOPO – Limpopo traffic officers intercepted an overloaded bus travelling from Johannesburg to Malawi on the N1 North near Botlokwa Capricorn Plaza yesterday (June 11).
The bus, with a certified seating capacity of 60 passengers, was found carrying 104 passengers.
34 passports declared invalid
During the operation, 34 passports were recovered from the bus and inspected by Botlokwa Home Affairs immigration officials. All were confirmed to be invalid.
The bus was escorted to Mampakuil Weighbridge for impoundment, while the SAPS K9 Unit was requested to assist with a search of the trailer.
To address the overloading, a 22-seater vehicle was arranged to transport excess passengers and ensure compliance with road safety regulations. The passengers were transported to the Beitbridge Border Post.
Department’s warning
The Department of Transport and Community Safety strongly urged motorists and public transport operators to refrain from overloading vehicles, as this poses a serious danger to passengers and other road users.
