Progress made in eradicating cross-border crime

KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda, this week visited Manguzi to assess government interventions to curb cross-border crime.

The Manguzi community earlier this year expressed outrage about the high levels of crime in the area.

President Jacob Zuma in April announced an upgrade of the police station serving the area, as well as a no tolerance approach to corruption at the Kosi Bay and Golela border posts.

Kaunda visited the Manguzi police station and Kosi Bay border gate on Tuesday to assess their functionality and state of readiness ahead of the festive season.

On the day police seized counterfeit goods totalling R1.3-million and last week intercepted goods valued at R3.2-million.

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Kaunda said South Africa has a long-standing relationship with Mozambique which must not be tarnished by criminal activities at the border posts.

‘We are pleased that incidents of carjacking, business robberies and drug trafficking are on a decline in this district. We will continue with these operations to ensure the movement of people between the two countries is monitored.

‘When we work together we will succeed in defeating the scourge of crime in this area. I am encouraged by the fact that our operations are yielding positive results.’

Twelve police officers working at the Kosi Bay and Golela border posts were arrested earlier this year and dismissed this month following an internal investigation into corrupt activities.