Overloaded Zimbabwe Buses Intercepted on N1 With 65 Passengers Without Passports

By ONN Reporter

Two buses from Zimbabwe were stopped on the N1 highway near Polokwane, Limpopo on Friday morning during a routine transport and immigration check.

The buses carried 178 passengers total, with 65 people missing passports. Among those without passports were 28 children, raising serious safety concerns for young travelers crossing borders.

The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety reported that both vehicles were taken to the Polokwane weighbridge for inspection. Department spokesperson Mashudu Mabata explained that the first bus was built for 75 passengers but held 88 people.

Fifteen passengers had no passports, including six children. The bus also exceeded weight limits by 1,080kg on its front axle and received a fine. The second bus carried 90 passengers when its limit was 74. Of these, 50 lacked passports, including 22 children.

Immigration staff and K9 units arrived to check documents and perform additional security measures. The roadside inspection caused delays for passengers, especially the children, while officials verified their travel documents.

Mabata stated that both drivers would face charges. “The drivers will be prosecuted and held under Section 42 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 for helping illegal foreigners enter the country,” she explained. This case shows why road safety rules, proper passenger capacity limits, and correct travel papers matter for border crossings.