Traffic authorities in Limpopo have intercepted an overloaded cross-border bus carrying 90 passengers on the N1, raising renewed concerns over passenger safety and illegal transport operations on South Africa’s major highways.

The bus, which was travelling from Malawi to Johannesburg, was stopped during a routine traffic law enforcement operation near the Mashishing off-ramp outside Polokwane on Monday.

According to the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, the vehicle was licensed to carry only 70 passengers but was found transporting 90 people, exceeding its legal capacity by 20 passengers. Authorities also discovered discrepancies in the passenger manifest, with only 25 passengers officially listed despite dozens more being on board.

Officials from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Immigration Services were called to the scene to assist with investigations, including verifying the immigration status of those travelling on the bus.

Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, who attended the scene, expressed concern over the condition of the vehicle and the risks posed to passengers.

She said authorities suspect the bus may also be unroadworthy, adding that such vehicles continue to contribute to road fatalities in the province.

“We are discouraging this type of incident, where people travel in overloaded and potentially unsafe buses that put lives at risk,” Hadebe said.

Authorities also indicated that the bus had travelled a considerable distance before being intercepted, raising questions about how it managed to pass through multiple checkpoints undetected.

The Limpopo Department of Transport warned operators that overloading remains a serious violation of road safety laws and vowed to intensify enforcement operations targeting non-compliant public transport vehicles.

“We remind all operators that overloading puts lives at risk and is a direct violation of road safety regulations. Law enforcement will continue to act decisively against such practices,” the department said.

This is not the first time Limpopo officials have intercepted overloaded cross-border buses. In recent months, authorities have impounded several buses travelling between South Africa and neighbouring countries after discovering severe overloading, unroadworthy conditions, and permit violations.

Road safety experts have repeatedly warned that overloaded buses increase the risk of tyre blowouts, brake failures, and fatal crashes, particularly on long-distance routes.

Passengers on the intercepted bus are expected to be provided with alternative transport arrangements while authorities continue their investigation.

Members of the public have been encouraged to report overloaded or suspicious vehicles to law enforcement agencies to help prevent road accidents and protect commuter safety.

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has formally approached National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, calling for the initiation of Section 194 proceedings to remove Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka from office.

The party argues that Gcaleka failed to adequately investigate crucial aspects of the controversial Phala Phala scandal, raising concerns about her ability to fulfil her constitutional duties impartially and effectively.

According to the MKP, subsequent findings by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) revealed that the Public Protector did not properly address or refer possible criminal conduct, alleged abuse of state resources, and irregular actions involving senior police officials linked to the matter.

The party contends that these omissions point to possible incompetence and bias, warning that institutions established under Chapter 9 of the Constitution must remain independent and act without fear, favour or prejudice.

MKP maintains that the Public Protector’s office must serve the public interest and uphold accountability, particularly in cases involving high-ranking government officials.

The request places pressure on Parliament to consider whether to begin formal proceedings under Section 194 of the Constitution, which allows for the removal of office bearers at Chapter 9 institutions on grounds such as misconduct, incapacity, or incompetence.

The move adds further political scrutiny to the ongoing fallout surrounding the Phala Phala saga and could intensify debate over the effectiveness and independence of South Africa’s oversight institutions.

Eleven suspects have been arrested in Meyerton, Gauteng, following a Hawks-led operation targeting an alleged fuel theft syndicate operating at a local fuel depot.

The suspects, aged between 27 and 46, were apprehended on Sunday after law enforcement officials received intelligence about a planned robbery at the facility. The operation, led by the Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS), is being hailed as another major breakthrough in the fight against organised fuel theft in South Africa.

According to authorities, the Hawks received a tip-off indicating that a fuel heist was being planned at the Meyerton depot. Acting swiftly on the information, officers launched a coordinated surveillance operation involving multiple specialised units, including the Hawks’ Non-Ferrous Metals Unit, the Vaal Rand Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, and private security tactical teams.

During surveillance, investigators observed two fuel tankers entering the depot under suspicious circumstances. Preliminary findings revealed that the facility had reportedly been placed under administration, raising further questions about possible internal vulnerabilities that may have been exploited by criminal syndicates.

Police believe some of the depot’s security personnel may have been working with the suspects, potentially enabling access to the site and facilitating the alleged theft of large volumes of fuel. Investigators are now probing the extent of the internal collusion and whether additional arrests may follow.

Fuel theft has become a growing concern across South Africa, with criminal syndicates increasingly targeting pipelines, storage depots and fuel transport vehicles. Experts say the crime not only causes millions of rands in losses for fuel companies but also poses serious risks to public safety, including environmental contamination and fire hazards.

In recent years, authorities have intensified efforts to crack down on fuel theft networks, many of which are believed to be highly organised and connected to broader economic crimes such as fraud, corruption and illegal resale operations.

The Meyerton arrests come amid broader concerns over organised criminal activity targeting strategic infrastructure in Gauteng and other provinces. Law enforcement agencies have warned that syndicates are becoming more sophisticated, often relying on insider assistance and falsified documentation to bypass security systems.

Police remained at the scene on Sunday as investigations continued. Authorities are expected to conduct forensic examinations of the tankers and fuel storage systems to determine how much fuel may have been stolen and whether similar incidents have occurred previously at the site.

The 11 suspects are expected to appear in court soon, where they could face charges related to theft, conspiracy to commit theft, organised crime, and possible corruption-related offences.

The Hawks have praised the success of the intelligence-driven operation, saying it demonstrates the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts in dismantling criminal networks.

As investigations continue, authorities have urged members of the public and industry insiders to report suspicious activity linked to fuel depots, transport routes and storage facilities, stressing that whistleblower information remains crucial in combating organised economic crime.