Rimbi Bus Driver Arrested in South Africa After Getting Intercepted with 32 Undocumented Passengers

By Staff Reporter
Rimbi Bus Driver Arrested in South Africa After Getting Intercepted with 32 Undocumented Passengers

A driver employed by Rimbi Travel and Tours is facing criminal charges in South Africa after authorities discovered dozens of undocumented passengers aboard a cross-border bus.

The bus was intercepted on Friday by officials from the Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport, triggering an investigation into possible immigration violations.

Also Read: Rimbi Bus Conductor Arrested for Trafficking a 16-year-old Girl to South Africa

32 Undocumented Passengers Discovered
Authorities say 32 undocumented individuals were found on the bus when it was stopped near Bloemfontein, raising serious concerns about how they managed to board after the vehicle had already been cleared at the border.

The incident has sparked scrutiny over compliance within the cross-border transport sector, particularly for operators travelling between Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Cleared at Beitbridge, Questions Remain
According to Michael Masiapato, Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), the bus had undergone all necessary checks at the Beitbridge Port of Entry before departure.

He said both immigration and weighbridge inspections confirmed that all passengers initially on board had valid travel documents and that the vehicle was compliant.

However, authorities are now investigating how additional passengers were later found on the bus, with the driver expected to explain where and when they were picked up.

Driver to Face Immigration Charges
Masiapato confirmed that the driver will be charged under South Africa’s Immigration Act for aiding and abetting undocumented individuals.

Investigators are focusing on whether the passengers were picked up after the bus had crossed into South Africa, a development that could point to deliberate violations of immigration laws.

Calls to Suspend Bus Operator
Meanwhile, Mosa Chabane, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, has called for firm action against the bus company.

Chabane urged the BMA to suspend Rimbi Travel and Tours while investigations are underway, arguing that the case exposes serious weaknesses in enforcement and accountability within the transport sector.

Pressure for Stronger Enforcement
Chabane praised authorities for intercepting the bus but warned that failure to act decisively could undermine South Africa’s immigration system.

He stressed that holding operators accountable is critical to deterring similar incidents and maintaining the integrity of border controls.