Polokwane, Limpopo – A cross-border bus, destined for Malawi and grossly overloaded with passengers, has been impounded by the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety. The 65-seater bus, carrying almost double its legal capacity, was intercepted on Thursday morning on the N1 bypass near the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
According to Matome Taueatsoala, the spokesperson for the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, the bus was en route from Gauteng when it was stopped by traffic officials. A subsequent inspection revealed a staggering 117 people crammed inside – a composition of one driver, 101 adult passengers, and 15 minors. This meant the vehicle was carrying a dangerous excess of 52 passengers beyond its permitted limit.
The situation took a dramatic turn when the driver, upon realising the severity of the situation, attempted to evade the authorities. Taueatsoala explained that the bus became immobilised a short distance from the Polokwane weighbridge while being escorted to the Provincial Traffic Control Centre (PTCC) for further processing.
"During the stop, the driver attempted to flee the scene," Taueatsoala stated. "He was promptly intercepted, restrained, and arrested by officers from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Limpopo Traffic Officers."
The driver now faces serious charges related to overloading and attempting to evade law enforcement.
The impounded bus is currently being held at the provincial traffic control centre. The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has confirmed that the vehicle will remain in state custody until the substantial fines associated with the overloading are settled in full.
Taueatsoala emphasised the department's commitment to ensuring road safety and adherence to traffic regulations. Overloading, he explained, is a serious offence that not only endangers the lives of the passengers crammed into the vehicle but also poses a significant risk to other road users. The added weight compromises the bus's braking ability, stability, and overall handling, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
The incident has raised concerns about the prevalence of overloading on cross-border routes and the exploitation of vulnerable passengers seeking affordable transportation. Authorities are now conducting further investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to identify any potential accomplices involved in facilitating the illegal operation.
"Further investigations are underway," confirmed Taueatsoala. These investigations are expected to delve into the origins of the journey, the ticketing process, and the knowledge of the passengers regarding the legality of the situation.
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety is working to ensure that all excess passengers are safely removed from the bus and provided with appropriate assistance. Arrangements are being made to accommodate those stranded, particularly the minors, while alternative transportation options are explored.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent enforcement of traffic laws and the need for increased vigilance in combating overloading practices. The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has vowed to continue its efforts to crack down on illegal transport operations and to ensure the safety of all road users in the province. They are also calling on passengers to be aware of their rights and to refuse to travel in overloaded vehicles.
The arrest and impoundment send a clear message that such blatant disregard for the law will not be tolerated. The authorities are determined to hold those responsible accountable and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The safety and well-being of all citizens remain the top priority for the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety.
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