Immigration officials have been called in after two cross-border buses were stopped on the N1 in Limpopo with 65 passengers who could not produce passports.
The buses, travelling from Zimbabwe, were intercepted by Limpopo traffic officers and taken to the Polokwane weighbridge for further checks.
According to TimesLIVE, officials counted 178 passengers across the two vehicles, with both buses carrying more people than their approved capacity.
Immigration Officials Called In
Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety spokesperson Mashudu Mabata told TimesLIVE that 15 passengers on the first bus did not have passports.
The group included nine adults and six minors.
The second bus had a further 50 passengers without passports, comprising 28 adults and 22 minors.
Immigration officials were brought in to verify passengers and determine what further action was required.
TimesLIVE reported that a police K9 unit also assisted officials during the inspection.
Both Buses Found Over Capacity
The first bus was certified to carry 75 passengers but had 88 people on board.
The second was carrying 90 passengers despite having capacity for 74.
Officials also found that the second vehicle exceeded the permitted weight on its first axle by 1,080kg. Its driver was fined for overloading, according to TimesLIVE.
The two drivers could face action under immigration legislation for transporting passengers who allegedly lacked the required documentation.
Limpopo Steps Up Cross-Border Checks
The interception comes amid continued enforcement against overloaded and non-compliant cross-border buses in Limpopo.
In an official statement earlier this year, the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety warned operators that buses using the province’s roads must comply with passenger limits, permits and road-safety regulations. A Zimbabwean bus intercepted in January was discontinued after officials found it overloaded and operating without the required permits.
The department has also said its enforcement operations focus on passenger safety and compliance with transport laws.
Processing of the passengers from the latest interception was still underway at the time of reporting, and authorities had not announced the final immigration outcome.