A cross-border bus from Zimbabwe has been impounded in Limpopo after being found overloaded and operating illegally, raising renewed concerns about passenger safety on the province’s major routes.
According to the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, the bus was intercepted at the N1 North near Pepperboom on January 10, 2026, during routine traffic enforcement operations.
The vehicle was carrying 90 passengers, exceeding its certified capacity of 71 seated passengers by 19.
MEC for Transport and Community Safety Violet Mathye said the bus was operating in clear violation of South African transport laws.
“We are deeply concerned about the continued disregard of the law by cross-border buses operating in Limpopo,” Mathye said.
The department confirmed that the bus did not have a valid cross-border permit and was also operating without a valid operating licence.
As a result, authorities discontinued the service and detained the vehicle at the Polokwane Traffic Control Centre.
“The bus was overloaded, had no cross-border permit, and was operating without a valid operating licence,” Mathye said.
Officials said arrangements were being made to ensure that passengers could continue their journeys safely.
“Alternative transport is being arranged for the passengers to continue their journey,” Mathye added.
The department warned that it will intensify enforcement against operators who flout the law, particularly those placing passengers at risk.
“The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety will not tolerate lawlessness on our roads,” Mathye said.
“We urge all operators to respect our laws and prioritise passenger safety.”
The incident comes amid ongoing concerns about the safety compliance of cross-border public transport vehicles travelling through Limpopo, a key transit province linking South Africa to neighbouring countries.
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