Defective parking brakes‚ faulty lamps‚ dodgy shock absorbers‚ and wiring problems. Sounds like an advert for a 1980s car? No‚ these are vehicles that transport pupils in the Western Cape. The Department of Transport and Public Works held a raid at the Wakkerstroom-Wes Primary School this week following complaints about the state of the minibuses used to transport the school's pupils.All the drivers of the minibuses raided were found to be without permits to transport learners. Fines to value of R26‚400 were issued for various traffic violations‚ including lack of permits for both drivers and vehicles.A bus found parked on the school premises was allegedly donated to the school five years ago by an organisation called Shiloh Synergy. But this bus was not registered under the school's name‚ police said. The husband of the school's principal had allegedly been ferrying pupils for a fare of R4 a day.Police said the bus was found to have a false licence disc‚ and mechanical defects which led to its suspension from the road.“In addition‚ the alleged operator of this bus does not have an operating licence or a permit to transport learners‚” said Byron la Hoe‚ spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Public WorksThe principal said the Western Cape Education Department was aware of how the bus was being used.La Hoe said in a statement: “This operation highlighted some of the serious threats to the safety of children travelling to and from school every day. It is the responsibility of owners of learner transport vehicles to ensure that these are roadworthy and appropriate for the transportation of learners‚ and to have all the necessary permits.”The department also asked for parents to play their part in ensuring their children are transported in roadworthy vehicles...