The communities of Mbuzini, which borders Mozambique and Swaziland, have called on government to enhance security of borderlines, saying holes in the border fence have led to their cattle disappearing into neighbouring countries.

The communities insisted that government needed to take action so that they do not continue to lose their livestock needlessly. They further explained that the ongoing drought has led to some livestock wandering into neighbouring countries in search of better grazing land.

The communities further requested government to assist them amid the ongoing drought because many of them were losing their livestock due to starvation. They allege that the holes in the fence were created as a result of thieves who were smuggling stolen vehicles and other counterfeit goods in and out of the country.

The communities’ views were articulated by stakeholders at a meeting that preceded the National Police Minister’s interaction with the community that took place yesterday (15 November 2016) at Mbuzini.

At the same meeting community members also requested government to urgently finalize the establishment of a port of entry in Mbuzini linking South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique, saying that most of them have relatives in the neighbouring countries.

They have also told the meeting that as part of addressing challenges of light delivery vehicle theft, illegal crossing of foreign nationals, smuggling of counterfeit goods, government needed to ensure that SANDF patrolled the borderlines regularly.

Other residents also complained that there was corruption as some police officers were seemingly colluding with criminals and this often led to the community taking the law into their own hands.

Responding to community issues, Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Pat Ngomane told the stakeholders that the issue of the establishment of a new port of entry and other issues that they were raising will receive attention from relevant departments.

MEC Ngomane also pleaded with the community to work with the police to combat and prevent crime. He said government will only win the war against crime with effective partnership between the police and the community. He urged community members to report livestock thieves to the police if they know them so that they are brought to book.

At the same meeting Ngomane pleaded with parents to play their role in ensuring that alcohol consumption particularly among teenagers is curbed because they often become victims of crime and are also at risk of becoming involved in road crashes.

He added that the department will continue to work with the police to ensure closure of liquor trading establishments that do not comply with the law.

Addressing the community, Police Minister, Nathi Nhleko also indicated that the issues that community members were raising will receive attention in relevant departments.

Minister Nhleko however appealed to communities not over generalize when they complain about corruption within the police. He said the majority of SAPS members were committed to their work and they could be discouraged if they are painted with the same brush.

The minister said the community should rather report those individuals who they believe are corrupt to police management so that action is taken against those who are tarnishing the image of the police.

Yesterday’s programme was among others supported by Mlambo Tribal Authority, Nkomazi Local Municipality, Royal Swaziland Sugar Corporation and other government departments.

Issued by: Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison
Written by: Zandile Mandlazi / Assistant Manager: Communications
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