Overloaded Bus Carrying 117 Passengers to Malawi Intercepted in Polokwane
Published on December 18, 2025 at 1:41 PM by Evance Kapito
South African traffic authorities on Thursday intercepted an overloaded bus on the N1 bypass in Polokwane after discovering it was carrying nearly double its permitted capacity.
The 65-seater bus, which was travelling from Gauteng to Malawi, was found transporting 117 passengers, including 15 minors. According to authorities, the bus was initially stopped near Peter Mokaba Stadium before being immobilised close to the Polokwane weighbridge and redirected to the Provincial Traffic Control Centre (PTCC).
When officers moved in, the driver allegedly attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended, restrained and arrested.
Police say the bus will remain at the PTCC until excess passengers are removed and all required fines are paid. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Authorities have reiterated warnings against overloading public transport vehicles, citing serious safety risks to passengers, especially during long-distance travel.
Source: eNCA News
