Driver nabbed for cramming 40 passengers into taxi

A taxi driver was arrested on the N4 highway outside Zeerust after cramming 40 passengers into a 22-seater minibus, the North West community safety department said on Friday.

The driver was pulled over by traffic officers and locked up at the Zeerust police station, spokesman Lesiba Kgwele said.

"He was granted R500 bail and warned to appear in court on February 9 next year," Kgwele said.

"This is a disregard for passenger safety and we are shocked that commuters allow themselves to be packed like sardines in public transport vehicles."

He said public transport operators should not allow themselves to be overcome by greed at the expense of passenger safety.