By Staff Reporter
MOKOPANE – Two overloaded cross-border buses and more than 20 other vehicles were intercepted for serious road safety violations at the Zebediela Traffic Control Centre (ZTCC) in the early hours of Sunday morning, December 21, 2025.
The operation took place at around 04:00 when traffic officials stopped and inspected several vehicles travelling through the area. According to reports, the two buses were found to be dangerously overloaded, placing passengers’ lives at risk.
Bus A, certified to carry 63 occupants, was found transporting 72 adults and 10 minors, bringing the total to 82 passengers. The bus was travelling from Durban in KwaZulu-Natal to Zimbabwe.
Bus B, certified to carry 70 adults, was found carrying 67 adults and 12 minors, totalling 79 occupants. This bus was en route from Johannesburg in Gauteng to Zimbabwe.
In addition to the buses, more than 20 light delivery vehicles and heavy motor vehicles were intercepted, some of which were towing unroadworthy trailers. All the vehicles were detained for contravening road safety regulations.
Limpopo MEC for Roads and Transport, Violet Mathye, expressed deep concern over the ongoing problem of overloading, especially during the busy festive season.
“I commend our officers for their diligence in keeping Limpopo’s roads safe. However, we urge other provinces to strengthen inter-provincial cooperation with law enforcement.
It is unacceptable for buses to travel from as far as KwaZulu-Natal only to be stopped in Limpopo – enforcement must start at source,” said Mathye.
The MEC warned transport operators that flouting safety regulations will not be tolerated, adding that authorities will continue to act decisively against irresponsible drivers and operators under the #MalayishaMalaisha campaign.
Traffic authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring road safety and preventing avoidable tragedies during the festive period.
