DUE to the massive increase of cross-border crime which includes hijacking and theft of motor vehicles between Mozambique and South African, Izinduna from uMhlabuyalingana convened an urgent meeting with their Mozambican counterparts to discuss how to stop the problem.

Five Izinduna from uMhlabuyalinga and six Izinduna from Mozambique, including army members deployed along the border, met last Friday in Manguzi.

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These community leaders discussed how they can stop this organised crime, as they have lost hope in their government and law enforcement agencies of both countries.

Thousands of vehicles have been stolen and hijacked in various part of South Africa, and taken across the Mozambican border. Chairperson of uMhlabuyalingana Safety Committee, Khulekani Khumalo, said the meeting was requested by the Mozambicans.

‘These Iznduna come from the hot spot areas in Mozambique, where criminals hide these stolen vehicles. ‘They requested to meet with us as they are concerned about the increase in cross-border crime, which includes the theft of motor vehicles and livestock.

‘They believe that if this persists, it might create a bad relationship between us and them. ‘We also addressed widespread rumours that South Africans in uMhlabuyalingana have taken a decision to chase all Mozambican children who are schooling in our local schools.

‘We live with many Mozambicans. Some of them work in our local clinics, especially in Bhekabantu area and KwaNdaba.

‘Their children attend our schools, they buy food in Manguzi and KwaSkhemelele.

‘Most of them come to our area under the pretence of seeking assistance, and end up stealing and hijacking vehicles. ‘They go as far as Mtubatuba and Durban to commit such crimes.

‘We view this cross-border crime as economic sabotage, especially here in uMkhanyakude. ‘We took a resolution to work with the Mozambicans, and we believe our meeting will bear good results.

‘Our resolutions include that they will be going house-to-house to look for South Africans’ stolen vehicles, and bring them back,’ Khumalo said.

A Mozambican Induna of Kwashobane area which is near the border, Michael Lungu, said at first they were hoping that police and the army would deal with the cross-border crime.

‘We have now realised that these criminal activities, which have resulted in many deaths, are getting out of hand. ‘We have also noted the pain that South Africans are going through. ‘We can’t just fold our arms and pretend as if nothing is happening.

South Africans are complaining that their livestock is being stolen by our people.

‘We live next to each other. As leaders, we condemn this, and feel we need to do something about it.

‘We will execute our plan without involving the police, but once we have discovered these criminals, we will hand them over to the authorities,’ said Lungu.