Fifty undocumented foreign nationals were deported and seven buses and taxis impounded during a major multi-agency law enforcement operation targeting illegal cross-border transport activities at the Baobab Toll Plaza near Musina.
The operation, led by the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) in partnership with other law enforcement authorities, comes amid growing concern over a recent spike in cross-border bus accidents and fatalities in South Africa.
The agency said it was implementing strict road safety measures to tackle unsafe driving practices and illegal cross-border transport operations.
“Following the recent spike in cross-border bus accidents and fatalities in South Africa, the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA), in partnership with other law enforcement authorities, will be implementing strict road safety measures to curb unsafe road behaviour and illegal cross-border operations on South African roads.”
According to the agency, the enforcement drive targets a range of transgressions, including buses entering South Africa without the necessary referrals, unroadworthy buses, overloaded buses, buses operating without permits, and unsafe driver behaviour.
The agency said unsafe driver conduct includes “non-compliance to road rules relating to consistent failure to observe road signs, markings, and traffic signals.”
The C-BRTA said that from May 28, 2026, it had adopted a “zero tolerance to unsafe and illegal cross-border operations” approach throughout South Africa.
Results from the latest enforcement activities show that authorities conducted 2,884 inspections and recorded 1,219 smart vehicle reads.
Law enforcement officials also arrested two suspects linked to fraudulent permit offences and made two arrests involving fraudulent licence discs.
Authorities further recorded one bribery-related arrest and one arrest for drunken driving.
In addition, 50 undocumented foreign nationals were deported, while seven buses and taxis operating in contravention of transport regulations were impounded.
The agency said officials from the C-BRTA and other law enforcement authorities were continuing operations at the Baobab Toll Plaza in Musina as part of efforts to curb unsafe road behaviour and illegal cross-border operations.
Authorities have vowed to maintain heightened enforcement on major transport corridors to improve road safety, ensure compliance with cross-border transport regulations and remove illegal operators from South Africa’s roads.
IOL News
Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za
