Limpopo authorities impound Malawi-bound bus carrying 117 passengers

The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has confirmed that an impounded bus will remain in state custody until the required fines are settled in full.

The 65-seater bus, which was en route to Malawi, was removed from the road on Thursday morning after being intercepted on the N1 bypass near Peter Mokaba Stadium. Upon inspection, traffic officials discovered the vehicle was carrying 117 people—an excess of 52 passengers over its legal capacity.

According to Limpopo Transport spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala, the situation escalated when the driver attempted to evade authorities while the vehicle was being escorted for processing.

"It became immobilised a short distance from the Polokwane weighbridge while being redirected to the Provincial Traffic Control Centre (PTCC)," Taueatsoala stated. "During the stop, the driver attempted to flee the scene before he was promptly intercepted, restrained, and arrested by officers from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Limpopo Traffic Officers."