Two buses travelling from Zimbabwe were intercepted on the N1 near Polokwane on Friday morning after they were found to be overloaded and carrying 65 passengers without passports, including 28 minors.
The Limpopo Transport and Community Safety Department said the buses were carrying a combined total of 178 passengers, with 65 reportedly not in possession of passports, including 28 minors.
Department spokesperson Mashudu Mabata said the buses had been escorted to the Polokwane weighbridge for further checks.
First bus overloaded by 13 passengers
Mabata said the first bus, which had a carrying capacity of 75 passengers, was found to be carrying 88 people, exceeding its limit by 13.
Of those, 15 did not have passports, including six minors and nine adults.
The bus was also found to be overweight by 1,080kg on its first axle and was issued with a spot fine.
Second bus carrying 50 passengers without passports
The second bus, with a carrying capacity of 74 passengers, was found to be carrying 90 people, exceeding its limit by 16.
Mabata said 50 passengers were without passports, comprising 28 adults and 22 minors.
Immigration officials conduct checks
Immigration officials and K9 dogs were at the scene to verify passengers’ documentation and conduct further checks.
Mabata said the authorities would take action against the drivers.
“The two drivers will be charged and detained in terms of Section 42 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002: aiding and abetting of illegal foreigners,” she said.
