INSIDE THE OVERLOADED CROSS-BORDER BUS FOUND WITH 117 PASSENGERS EN ROUTE TO MALAWI
Transport authorities in Limpopo have raised serious concerns about passenger safety after an overloaded cross-border bus carrying 117 passengers was intercepted at the Polokwane weighbridge. The bus, which was travelling from Gauteng to Malawi, was stopped on Thursday, 18 December, after officials discovered it had breached load limit regulations, putting the lives of those on board at risk.
The inspection was led by Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Mme Violet Mathye, accompanied by the department’s Head of Department, Stephen Matjena. The senior officials conducted an on-site assessment after traffic officers flagged the vehicle on the N1 bypass for suspected overloading. Upon closer examination, authorities confirmed that the bus was carrying far more passengers than permitted under road safety regulations.
According to the Department of Transport and Community Safety, overloading remains one of the major contributors to road crashes, particularly involving long-distance and cross-border transport vehicles. Excessive passenger numbers not only compromise the structural integrity of a vehicle but also affect braking distance, tyre performance and overall handling, increasing the likelihood of fatal accidents.
During the inspection, officials noted that passengers were cramped inside the bus, with limited space and inadequate seating arrangements. Some passengers were reportedly forced to stand or sit in unsafe positions, heightening the risk of injury in the event of sudden braking or a collision. Authorities expressed concern that such conditions are common among illegal or poorly regulated cross-border transport operators.
MEC Mathye strongly condemned the practice and issued a stern warning to Malayisha operators and all cross-border bus companies operating in the province. She made it clear that the Limpopo government would not tolerate blatant disregard for road safety laws, especially during the busy festive season when traffic volumes increase significantly.
“Operators who continue to flout load-management rules and roadworthiness standards are endangering innocent lives,” Mathye said. “We will not hesitate to impose maximum penalties, including hefty fines and the suspension or withdrawal of operating licences, where necessary.”
The MEC further urged passengers to take responsibility for their own safety by refusing to board overloaded or unroadworthy vehicles, even when travelling long distances or under pressure to reach their destinations. She emphasised that saving money or time should never come at the cost of human lives.
Head of Department Stephen Matjena echoed the MEC’s sentiments, stating that intensified law enforcement operations would continue along major routes, particularly those used by cross-border transport services. He added that weighbridges and roadblocks remain key tools in identifying non-compliant vehicles and preventing potential disasters before they occur.
Following the inspection, the bus was detained pending further investigations and compliance measures. Authorities said corrective action would be taken against the operator in line with existing transport legislation.
The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter monitoring of cross-border transport services to ensure that safety regulations are upheld and passengers are protected on South Africa’s roads.