A bus driver has been arrested after being caught driving a severely overloaded bus at the Mantsole Traffic Control Centre weighbridge in Polokwane.
According to the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, the 65-seat cross-border bus, which was travelling from Gauteng to Malawi, was carrying a total of 117 occupants — including one driver, 101 passengers and 15 minors. This exceeded the bus’s legal passenger capacity by 52 people.
The department said the vehicle was overloaded on both the front and rear axles, with its gross vehicle mass exceeding the legal limit by 5 640 kilograms. As a result, an overloaded-vehicle summons was issued.
Department spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala said the bus was transporting more than 90 passengers, most of them women and children, far beyond its licensed seating capacity.
“The bus became immobilised while being escorted to the Provincial Traffic Control Centre and will remain there until the operator makes alternative transport arrangements for the passengers,” said Taueatsoala.
During the stop, the driver allegedly attempted to flee the scene but was swiftly intercepted, restrained and arrested by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Limpopo Traffic Officers.
“The vehicle will remain at the Provincial Traffic Control Centre until the excess passengers are removed and the prescribed fine has been paid,” Taueatsoala added.
The department said the incident followed intensified weighing operations conducted on Tuesday, during which 62 cross-border buses were screened, resulting in 26 charges related to overloading.
“The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety urges operators to ensure proper load distribution and vehicle roadworthiness before embarking on any journey,” Taueatsoala appealed.
Limpopo has previously experienced deadly bus accidents involving cross-border travel. Two months ago, 42 people died in a bus crash near Makhado involving a vehicle transporting passengers from Gqeberha to Malawi and Zimbabwe. Last year, 45 passengers lost their lives when another bus crashed near Mmamatlakala.
