KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial government has requested that the construction of a concrete barrier wall consisting of three sections along South Africa’s border with Mozambique be fast-tracked to curb vehicle theft and goods smuggling.
KZN premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube conducted an oversight visit to the border region in Manguzi, in the Umkhanyakude District Municipality, as part of Operation Siyahlola, to assess construction progress last week.
The provincial government initiated the operation, which covers about 25 kilometres of the porous border line, among several interventions to fight crime in the area, in 2018. The main aim of the operation, which is being implemented in three phases, is to prevent the easy egress of stolen vehicles and livestock.
Dube-Ncube said good progress had already been made during the construction phase of the wall which cuts through Gate 6, one of the hotspot segments along the border.
“The concrete slab foundation to conclude this phase has been laid and we are confident that the construction will move more quickly. We have directed the Department of Transport to fast-track the raising of the walls,” Dube-Ncube said.
The premier, accompanied by Umkhanyakude District Municipality Mayor, Siphile Mdaka, police and senior government officials, said her provincial government was working with several agencies to fight criminal syndicates that were terrorising communities along the border.
“As we announced during the State of the Province Address, government is also pursuing diplomatic channels to coordinate strategic efforts to fight cross-border crime. We are working closely with the newly established Border Management Authority, the SAPS (South African Police Service) Specialised KZN Stabilising Team, Amakhosi and other crime-fighting structures to address issues of criminality in the area,” Dube-Ncube said.
She added that these interventions had already yielded results as several high-profile criminals had been arrested and were facing prosecution.
The wall is divided into three sections: an 8km barrier near Tembe Elephant Park, another 8km stretch near iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and a 9km wall extending from the western boundary of Tembe towards the Pongolo River
“Already several cars have been found stuck and abandoned, some hanging on the jersey barriers because syndicates could not take them across to Mozambique because of the high border walls,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za
