The bus was carrying 55 passengers and travelling from Zimbabwe to Cape Town on Saturday (11/4). A total of 29 passengers, including seven minors, were undocumented.

The bus was found to have a defective, non-functional door, which is a serious safety hazard because passengers may not be able to enter or exit safely during an emergency.

The trailer was also found with defective brakes and worn tyres. The driver of the bus was not in possession of a valid driving license but was driving with a passport.

“This is the third incident of the interception of undocumented foreigners in the province in one week,” said Free State MEC for community safety, roads and transport, Jabu Mbalula. “I wish to applaud the traffic officers for the good work.

“As a province in the heart of the country and bordering Lesotho, we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our communities. This incident brings the total to 65 undocumented individuals intercepted in the province in recent incidents.”

We commend the efforts of our traffic officers and other stakeholders working to address these issues, he said.

The first incident happened a day before Good Friday, when a group of 32 undocumented Zimbabwean nationals, including children and infants, were detained after the bus they were travelling in was stopped on the N1 near Bloemfontein.

The bus, which was travelling from Zimbabwe to Cape Town, was found to be carrying 32 undocumented foreign nationals in addition to 43 passengers who had been duly processed at the Beitbridge Port of Entry in accordance with all prescripts and procedures.

It is alleged that the 32 undocumented passengers were picked up after the bus had crossed into South Africa, specifically in Makhado and Johannesburg.

The portfolio committee on home affairs chairperson, Mosa Chabane, said the interception highlights the need for stricter enforcement and accountability within the cross-border transport sector.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.