Overloaded cross-border bus with 117 occupants stopped on N1 near Polokwane

A 65-seater cross-border bus carrying 117 occupants including 101 passengers and 15 minors was stopped on the N1 bypass near Polokwane on Thursday morning after traffic officers identified a severe case of overloading.

The bus, which was travelling from Gauteng to Malawi, was intercepted adjacent to the Peter Mokaba Stadium at about 9am. Authorities found that the vehicle was transporting 52 passengers more than its legal capacity, posing a serious risk to the safety of those on board.

According to the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, the bus became immobilised a short distance from the Polokwane weighbridge while officers were redirecting it to the Provincial Traffic Control Centre (PTCC) for further assessment.

During the stop, the driver allegedly attempted to flee the scene but was quickly intercepted, restrained and arrested by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in cooperation with Limpopo traffic officers.

The department said the bus will remain at the PTCC until all excess passengers have been removed and the prescribed fine has been paid. Further investigations into the incident are ongoing.

The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has once again cautioned public transport operators against overloading vehicles, particularly during the busy festive season, warning that such conduct endangers lives and will not be tolerated.