Trans Kalahari Corridor concludes law enforcement operation

The 13th Joint Law Enforcement Operation of the Trans Kalahari Corridor, comprising Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa, recently concluded in Swakopmund, Namibia. Running from November 21 to 26, the operation concluded with a debriefing session during which officials from the member states presented their findings and recommendations.Throughout the Swakopmund operation, law enforcement officials from the three countries engaged in various road safety activities. These included inspecting vehicles for fire extinguishers and first aid kits, mandatory under Namibian law. Traffic officers also scrutinised vehicles for outstanding tickets and warrants of arrest.Leslie Mlungisi Mpofu, the executive director of the Trans Kalahari Corridor, emphasised that the operation aimed to enhance compliance with law enforcement along the corridor, increase law enforcement visibility, and promote overall safety and security. The joint operations are geared towards ensuring the smooth movement of goods and passengers, effective corridor management, and a secure environment.Held on the highway leading to the Port of Walvis Bay, the operation involved the distribution of numerous educational materials on road safety to truck drivers. Mpofu highlighted that the three countries would identify areas requiring harmonisation on the corridor. The joint law enforcement operations occur twice a year on a rotational basis. Botswana hosted the operation in Jwaneng in August this year, and the next is scheduled to take place in South Africa next year. During these events, law enforcement agents from various stakeholders involved in trade facilitation across the three member states collaborate to set up checkpoints along the Trans Kalahari Corridor.The operation's objectives extend beyond promoting compliance with law enforcement along the corridor. They encompass enforcing laws and regulations to enhance traffic safety and those related to transport, such as weight limits and hazardous materials rules. Additionally, the operations involve joint training programmes for the participating countries.