Safety violation: 29 pupils found crammed in scholar transport vehicle
OVER-LOADING
A VW kombi used as a scholar transport, was caught by the Durban Metro Police carrying 29 pupils in 10 passenger seater.
Image: Durban Metro Police Services / Facebook
A VOLKWAGEN Kombi transporting 29 children has been suspended by law enforcement officials during a scholar transport enforcement operation this morning.
The Kombi is only meant to carry a maximum of 10 people.
Durban Metro Police Service (DMPS) suspended two vehicles after officers uncovered safety violations - including overcrowding, exposed wiring and an unclamped battery during the operation.
DMPS Strike Team members conducted the operation along the R102 earlier today. T
he focus was on ensuring that vehicles transporting school children comply with road safety and licensing regulations.
According to the DMPS, officers stopped and inspected a Volkswagen kombi. They found the vehicle was carrying 29 school children, despite being licensed to transport only 10 passengers.
A further mechanical inspection revealed multiple defects. These included three tyres with missing wheel nuts, a sliding door that could not be opened from the outside, engine oil leaks, and exposed wiring.
The vehicle was immediately suspended from operating.
In a separate incident, officers stopped a Toyota Avanza also being used for scholar transport. Authorities discovered that the battery was not clamped, the front suspension had been tampered with, and additional mechanical defects were present. This vehicle was also suspended.
“The safety of our children is non-negotiable,” the DMPS said.
“The Durban Metro Police Service will continue with zero-tolerance enforcement to ensure compliance.”
Authorities urged scholar transport operators to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and properly licensed, warning that non-compliance would lead to strict action.