Workshop addresses Durban crime concerns

SMUGGLING THROUGH South Africa’s harbours was a key area of focus at a recent week-long workshop hosted by the Durban-based Maritime Institute for members of the organised crime units from Durban and Richards Bay. Members of the Durban Border Police and KwazuluNatal provincial project task teams were also involved. “It is imperative that detectives understand the cost involved in ships’ operations and the effect vessel delays can have on ship owners and all stakeholders in southern Africa,” said Maritime Institute managing director Peter Fitt. “We were also able to impress upon those attending the workshop that the current amount of cargo that is being underdeclared, coupled with the theft of containers and tax evasion, is costing the South African economy billions of rands annually.”