Two Zimbabwean buses caught overloaded with dozens lacking passports

Polokwane – South African traffic officials have intercepted two buses travelling from Zimbabwe on the N1 near Polokwane, Limpopo, after discovering that 65 passengers reportedly did not have passports, including 28 minors.

According to TimesLIVE, the buses were carrying a combined 178 passengers and were escorted to the Polokwane weighbridge, where immigration officials and the K9 unit were deployed to verify passengers’ documentation.

The first bus, authorised to carry 75 passengers, had 88 people on board, including 15 without passports — six minors and nine adults. The second bus was carrying 90 passengers despite having a capacity of 74, with 50 passengers reportedly lacking passports, including 22 minors.

The second bus was also found to be overweight by 1,080kg on its first axle, and its driver was issued a spot fine.

BREAKING NEWS 🚨

Two Buses from Zimbabwe Intercepted on N1 Near Polokwane for Overloading and Immigration Checks

Two buses travelling from Zimbabwe have been intercepted on the N1 near Polokwane for overloading and immigration-related checks, according to the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety.

The buses were escorted to the Polokwane Weighbridge for further inspection after authorities discovered that both were carrying passengers beyond their authorised capacities.

The first bus was carrying 88 passengers despite being authorised to transport 75, exceeding its capacity by 13 passengers. Officials reportedly identified 15 passengers without passports, comprising six minors and nine adults.

The second bus was carrying 90 passengers against its authorised capacity of 74, exceeding the limit by 16 passengers. Of these, 50 passengers reportedly did not have passports, including 28 adults and 22 minors.

The second bus was also found to be overweight, and its driver was charged accordingly.

Immigration officials and K9 units were called in to assist with passenger verification and further inspections.

The department condemned the violations, saying they undermined road safety and compliance with transport regulations, particularly during October Transport Month.

MEC for Transport and Community Safety Nakedi Kekana is leading initiatives aimed at promoting safer transport and ensuring compliance with road safety regulations across the province.

The department warned that those found violating the law would face action in accordance with the law.

Motorists and public transport operators are urged to comply with road safety regulations to protect passengers and other road users.

— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) October 16, 2026

The Independent Online (IOL) reported that Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety spokesperson Mashudu Mabata confirmed that 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,” Mabata said.

The interception comes amid ongoing enforcement operations targeting overloaded vehicles and transport-related offences in Limpopo. On Thursday, the road safety platform Arrive Alive reported separate operations in the province involving an overloaded bus and a speeding minibus, highlighting authorities’ continued focus on road safety and compliance.

Immigration officials were still conducting checks following Friday’s interception. The findings raise concerns about passenger safety, particularly given the number of minors involved, as authorities work to establish the passengers’ documentation status and determine the next steps.