Overloaded Buses to Zimbabwe Stopped in Limpopo

Key Takeaways

• The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has raised concerns about the increasing number of overloaded buses on the roads, particularly those traveling across the border.
• On December 16, 62 cross-border buses were screened, resulting in 26 overloading charges.
• Two buses were intercepted on Sunday morning for overloading, with one carrying 82 passengers despite being certified for 63, and the other carrying 79 passengers despite being certified for 70.
• The department has called for strengthened inter-provincial cooperation with law enforcement to prevent such incidents.
• Transport operators have been warned that flouting safety rules will not be tolerated, and the department will continue to take action against irresponsible drivers and operators.

Introduction to the Issue
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has expressed concern over the growing number of overloaded buses on the roads, particularly those traveling across the border. This issue has become a major safety concern, as it increases the risk of fatal accidents. On December 16, 62 cross-border buses were screened, resulting in 26 overloading charges. This highlights the need for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations and greater cooperation between provinces to prevent such incidents.

The Recent Incidents
In the early hours of Sunday morning, the Zebediela Traffic Control Centre (ZTCC) intercepted two buses and more than 20 other vehicles for serious breaches of road safety regulations. The first bus, certified to carry 63 passengers, was found with 72 adults and 10 minors, totaling 82 passengers. It was traveling from Durban to Zimbabwe. The second bus, certified to carry 70 adults, was found with 67 adults and 12 minors, totaling 79 passengers. It was traveling from Johannesburg to Zimbabwe. These buses, along with more than 20 light delivery vehicles and heavy motor vehicles with unroadworthy trailers, were detained for putting lives at risk.

The Department’s Response
MEC Violet Mathye commended the officers for their diligence in keeping Limpopo’s roads safe but urged other provinces to strengthen inter-provincial cooperation with law enforcement. She emphasized that enforcement must start at the source, rather than relying on Limpopo to stop overloaded buses that have traveled from other provinces. The department has also warned transport operators that flouting safety rules will not be tolerated and will continue to take action against irresponsible drivers and operators. Mathye stated, "To all transport operators: flouting safety rules will not be tolerated. We will continue to #MalayishaMalaisha irresponsible drivers and operators."

Another Overloaded Bus Intercepted
On Wednesday, December 17, a north-bound cross-border bus arrived at the Mantsole Traffic Control Centre (TCC) weighbridge. The vehicle was found to be overloaded on both the front and rear axles, with a gross vehicle mass exceeding the legal limit by 5,640 kg. Consequently, an overloaded-vehicle summons was issued. The bus was carrying more than 90 passengers, predominantly women and children, well above its licensed capacity of 65 seats. It was traveling from Gauteng to Malawi. The bus was declared not roadworthy and remained at Mantsole TCC until the operator arranged alternative transport for the passengers.

The Department’s Warning
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety reminds operators to ensure proper load distribution and vehicle roadworthiness before embarking on journeys. The department’s efforts to prevent overloaded buses from traveling on the roads are crucial in reducing the risk of fatal accidents. By working together with other provinces and taking action against irresponsible drivers and operators, the department aims to make the roads safer for all users. As the department continues to crack down on overloaded buses, transport operators must take the necessary steps to ensure compliance with road safety regulations and prioritize the safety of their passengers.