The Provincial Public Transport Unit has detained a bus that was found carrying more passengers, almost twice it’s loading capacity along the R521 near Makgodu in Moletji in the Capricorn District.
The bus was escorted by a team led by traffic officials to Polokwane Wheighbridge for thorough inspection.
It was established that the bus was:
– using an unauthorized route;
– carrying 101 passengers, 40 above its maximum loading capacity;
– 3 ton 640kg overweight;
– traveling from Cape Town to Zimbabwe.
Summons were issued, pertinent to the transgression as established.
According to the bus driver, they left Cape Town on Sunday evening and were expected to arrive in Zimbabwe on Wednesday morning.
Limpopo Transport and Community Safety MEC, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya has commended the sterling work by traffic officers. The MEC says public transport is the main focus for this festive season and cannot allow operators to gamble with passengers’ lives.
“WE HAVE SAID IT DURING OUR LAUNCH THAT NO PUBLIC TRANSPORT IS GOING TO BE ALLOWED ON THE ROAD WHEN IT DOES NOT COMPLY. 101 PEOPLE IN ONE BUS WHEN WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FOURTH WAVE CANNOT BE TOLERATED. THE IMPOUNDING OF THE BUS MUST BE A LESSON TO OTHERS WHO THINK THEY CAN DO AS THEY WISH”
Issued by the Department of Transport and Community Safety.
