Zim bus drivers face charges in SA after 65 passengers found without passports

Two Zimbabwean bus drivers face charges in South Africa after authorities intercepted their vehicles carrying 65 passengers without passports, including 28 minors, near Polokwane in Limpopo.

The buses were stopped on the N1 on Friday morning after they were found to be overloaded, with a combined 178 passengers on board, according to the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety.

Department spokesperson Mashudu Mabata the drivers would be charged and detained under Section 42 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 for allegedly aiding and abetting illegal foreigners.

Zimbabwean buses found overloaded

Mabata said the first bus, which had a carrying capacity of 75 passengers, was found to be carrying 88 people, exceeding its limit by 13.

Fifteen passengers on board reportedly did not have passports, including six minors and nine adults.

The bus was also found to be overweight by 1,080kg on its first axle and was issued with a spot fine.

The second bus had a carrying capacity of 74 passengers but was found to be transporting 90 people, exceeding its limit by 16.

According to Mabata, 50 passengers on the second bus did not have passports. They comprised 28 adults and 22 minors.

The two buses were escorted to the Polokwane weighbridge for further checks.

Immigration officials conduct checks

Immigration officials and K9 dogs were deployed to verify the passengers’ documentation and conduct further inspections.

Mabata confirmed that authorities would take action against the drivers.

“The two drivers will be charged and detained in terms of Section 42 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002: aiding and abetting of illegal foreigners,” she said.

The department’s statement did not provide further details about the drivers’ court appearances or the outcome of the immigration checks.