The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has intensified its efforts to tackle overloaded vehicles in the province’s roads, through Operation Malaisha.
The department said the aim of the operation is to target minibus taxis, light delivery vans, and bakkies towing trailers, commonly known as “Malaisha.”
“These vehicles are mostly found on the N1 road, stretching from Pienaarsrivier in the Waterberg District to the Beitbridge Border Post in Musina, Vhembe District.
Overloaded vehicles are a major threat to road safety.
They are more likely to have tyre bursts and brake failures, which can cause serious accidents.
Overloading also affects a vehicle’s stability, handling and stopping power, putting drivers, passengers and other road users at risk,” said the department spokesperson, Tidimalo Chuene.
In addition, the department said the goal of the operation is to also reduce the risk of accidents and fatalities, and to prevent damage to roads.
The department is currently operating seven Traffic Control Centres, strategically located across the province to monitor and screen vehicle loads.
These centres are Mantsole, Zebediela, and Groblersbrug in the Waterberg District, Polokwane in the Capricorn District, Musina at Beitbridge in the Vhembe District, Mooketsi in the Mopani District, and Rathoke in the Sekhukhune District.
“In total, 1 449 vehicles have been screened and charged for overloading of passengers and goods since the beginning of December 2024.
Vehicles found with excessive loads are directed to adjust their loads at the traffic control centre before proceeding with their journeys,” explained Chuene.
She urged all transport operators and motorists to exercise extreme caution and responsibility in the province’s roads.
