POLOKWANE – Two buses travelling from Zimbabwe were intercepted on the N1 near Polokwane yesterday (October 16), after allegedly exceeding their passenger limits, with dozens of passengers reportedly unable to produce passports.

The buses were escorted to the Polokwane Weighbridge for further inspections, the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety said.

First bus: 13 passengers over capacity

The first bus was carrying 88 passengers despite being licensed to transport 75, meaning it had 13 people over its authorised capacity.

During the inspection, officials identified 15 passengers without passports, comprising:

• Six minors
• Nine adults

Second bus: 16 over capacity, 50 without passports

The second bus was carrying 90 passengers against its permitted capacity of 74, exceeding the limit by 16 people.

Of its passengers, 50 reportedly did not have passports. This group included:

• 28 adults
• 22 minors

The second bus was also found to be overweight, and its driver was charged, according to the department.

Immigration and K9 units called in

Immigration officials and K9 units were called in to assist with passenger verification and further inspections.

The department condemned the violations, saying transport operators must comply with passenger limits and road safety requirements.

The interceptions come during October Transport Month, when Transport and Community Safety MEC Nakedi Kekana is leading initiatives aimed at improving safety and compliance across the province’s transport sector.

The department urged motorists and transport operators to observe road regulations, warning that violations would be dealt with in accordance with the law.