Taxi driver arrested for carrying 40 passengers in Nelson Mandela Bay

A taxi driver arrested in Nelson Mandela Bay after found transporting 40 passengers in a minibus taxi. Most of the passengers were schoolchildren.

The incident happened during a routine roadblock conducted by the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Police. Officers were monitoring traffic as part of ongoing road safety operations.

The minibus taxi designed to carry 16 passengers. They found to be carrying more than double its legal capacity. Children were seated on the floor and squeezed between seats.
Police officers instructed the driver to stop. The driver allegedly failed to comply and attempted to flee the scene.

The taxi eventually stopped a short distance away. The passengers removed from the vehicle. The children assisted and arrangements made to ensure their safety.

The driver, aged 27, arrested at the scene. He faces several charges. These include reckless and negligent driving. Charges also include failure to comply with a lawful instruction. Overloading a motor vehicle also listed.
Metro police said the driver placed lives at serious risk.

Officers described the situation as extremely dangerous. They said the vehicle could not safely carry that number of passengers.
Parents and community members expressed concern. Many said scholar transport safety remains a major problem. Concerns were raised about daily risks faced by children on public transport.

Authorities warned that overloading remains one of the leading causes of serious road accidents. The risk of injury increases during sudden braking or collisions. Children are especially vulnerable in such conditions. Metro police said roadblocks will continue across the city. They said scholar transport vehicles will remain a priority.

The driver later released on warning. He is expected to appear in court soon, date will be confirmed by authorities.
Police urged parents to report unsafe transport practices. They also encouraged commuters to refuse overloaded vehicles.

Officials said road safety is a shared responsibility. They warned that no excuse justifies endangering children’s lives.

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