Two buses intercepted on N1 with 65 passengers without passports

Two buses travelling from Zimbabwe have been intercepted on the N1 near Polokwane, with 65 passengers reportedly travelling without passports, including 28 minors.

The buses were escorted to the Polokwane weighbridge, where immigration officials and the K9 unit are on site to verify and check the bus load.

According to information provided by transport and community safety department spokesperson Mashudu Mabata, the first bus was carrying 88 passengers despite having a capacity of 75 — overloaded by 13 people.

Of the passengers on the first bus, 15 did not have passports: six minors and nine adults.

The second bus was carrying 90 passengers, exceeding its capacity of 74 by 16 people.

Fifty passengers on the second bus were reportedly without passports: 22 minors and 28.

The second bus was also found to be overweight by 1,080kg on its first axle. A spot fine was issued to the driver for the overloading.

The two drivers are expected to be charged and detained in terms of section 42 of the Immigration Act, which deals with aiding and abetting illegal foreigners.