A burnt-out SUV on the border of Kosi Bay.Photo provided
Despite the construction of a strong concrete fence on the border between South Africa and Mozambique, criminal organizations are finding new ways to get stolen goods out of South Africa.
They are now resorting to building makeshift iron bridges to allow stolen vehicles to get over the fence.
In a recent presentation to Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure, the KZN Provincial Government and the Ministry said phases two and three of the Kosi Bay border project are scheduled to begin on 30 September. Ta.
According to the presentation, the R270.9 million project aims to curb cross-border crime between KZN and Mozambique in the Umkhanyakude district municipality.
The project was first mooted in 2017 after former president Jacob Zuma visited the region twice and raised a number of concerns about border security.
Concerns were raised about escalating criminal activity in Umkhanyakude in northern KZN, particularly the illegal movement of people between South Africa and Mozambique, and the KZN government was directed to develop a strategy to improve border integrity, according to a presentation. I ended up doing it.
A Boundary Management Commission was then established. “KZN traffic engineers carried out a sophisticated technical analysis of possible infrastructure interventions to restrict border crossings and a Border Security Improvement Plan was adopted. It included reducing the ability to move stolen goods freely across the border through railroad ties, Jersey fences.
“In July 2018, the state Department of Transportation requested funding for public works and infrastructure because border control and related infrastructure is a national competence and not a state function,” the commission was told.
Due to the extreme urgency of addressing the crime-prone zone on the northern KZN-Mozambique border, this project will cover the first phase (a 54km stretch between KZN and Mozambique) and the remaining border (a 540km stretch between KZN and Mozambique). ) was divided into a second phase. around eSwatini).
The auto manufacturing sector said it would help the government curb cross-border crime.
Toyota South Africa spokesperson Lelo Nzimela said vehicle theft was a top issue in the automotive industry.
“At Toyota, we have and will continue to introduce security enhancements to new vehicle security systems. We also offer free retrofits of these measures to existing customers. We are continually working to develop new methods to combat the ever-evolving theft.”
The Border Management Agency (BMA) is reportedly procuring specialized law enforcement equipment to combat the illegal movement of people and goods through South Africa's borders.
Since its establishment in April 2023 to enforce immigration and access control, land border infrastructure development and maintenance, border risk management, etc., the agency has recorded some success in its efforts to maintain border integrity. I've been doing it.
On Monday, the BMA said: witness Despite many efforts to increase security, criminals still try to cross the border with stolen cars and goods.
The BMA's deputy director general for operations, Major General David Chilembe (retired), said the northern KZN part of the border had been a “headache” for many years.
He said the area's topography makes it easy for criminals to cross in stolen vehicles.
“Due to the region's flatness, criminals have for years removed the front and rear bumpers of stolen cars and driven them over the border fence into Mozambique. These criminals are able to hijack vehicles just before the border and drive away before they can be reported as stolen.
“We are working with a variety of stakeholders, including banks, to help identify ownership before a vehicle crosses the road. We have made a difference by working with law enforcement.” said Chilembe.
The state government had not responded to inquiries at the time of publication.
This article was first published in The Witness.
