An overloaded cross-border bus travelling from Gauteng to Malawi was detained at the Mantsole Traffic Control Centre (TCC) weighbridge on Tuesday, 17 December 2025, following a routine inspection by traffic authorities.

According to the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, the northbound bus arrived at the Mantsole TCC at approximately 10:53am, where it was found to be significantly overloaded on both the front and rear axles. The vehicle’s gross vehicle mass exceeded the legal limit by 5 640 kilograms, raising serious safety concerns.

Officials further revealed that the bus was carrying more than 90 passengers, predominantly women and children, despite being licensed to carry a maximum of 65 passengers. Due to the extent of the overloading, the bus was declared not roadworthy and was immediately prohibited from continuing its journey.

An overloaded vehicle summons was issued to the operator, and the bus will remain detained at the Mantsole TCC until alternative transport arrangements are made to safely convey the passengers to their destination.

The department noted that this incident comes amid intensified weighing and road safety operations conducted on Monday, 16 December 2025. During these operations, a total of 62 cross-border buses were screened between 07:00 and 19:00. Of these, 26 buses were charged for various overloading offences.

The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has once again cautioned bus operators, particularly those involved in long-distance and cross-border travel, to comply fully with road traffic regulations. Authorities emphasised the importance of adhering to prescribed passenger limits, ensuring proper load distribution, and maintaining vehicle roadworthiness before embarking on any journey.

“Overloading poses a serious risk to passengers and other road users, especially during the busy festive season,” the department said. “Operators are urged to put safety first and ensure full compliance with the law.”

The department has reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing enforcement operations aimed at reducing road crashes and protecting lives on Limpopo’s roads during the peak travel period.