Nkomazi Police bosses calls for MEC’s intervention to stock theft and vehicle smuggling
30 May 2012
The smuggling of stock and vehicles into Mozambique is one of the major crimes that the residents of Nkomazi are facing.
Yesterday [29 May 2012], Station commanders of the Tonga cluster told
the Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe at a
cabinet out reach meeting at Komatipoort Police Station that the area was
experiencing serious crimes on regular basis.
The meeting was attended by station commanders of police stations in
the Tonga Cluster, officials from the department, Community Police Forum,
Municipality and officials from the Premier’s Office.
Speaking in the meeting, the Tonga cluster commander Brigadier
Hitler Mashego told the MEC that vehicles and stock are smuggled into
Mozambique, and they have been informed that there is a market where the
vehicles are sold.
They also complained that once the stolen vehicles have crossed the
border they are unable to retrieve them back to South Africa, because the
Mozambican officials are reluctant to assist them.
He revealed that not only Mozambicans come into the country through
illegal crossings, but also other foreign nationals including Chinese and
Pakistanis also cross the border illegal.
He highlighted that business robberies have increased in the area as Pakistanis who own businesses keep their money in the business area.
The police bosses have requested the MEC that during his trip to
Mozambique next week, he should request the authorities to make means of closing
the market where all the vehicles stolen from this country are sold.
Responding to the requests, MEC Shongwe said that Komatipoort needs special attention in terms of policing to prevent the escalation of smuggling and accidents involving vehicles from Mozambique.
He mentioned that there is a need to have an integrated crime fighting plan to eliminate the scourge of crime in the province.
“Although the province’s crime statistics have reduced, there is still a need to work even harder to maintain the standard and completely eliminate serious crimes that affect the province such as rhino poaching,” said Shongwe.
Shongwe added that police and traffic officers that allow illegal activities at the border and those who take bribes will be arrested.
“Corrupt police and traffic officers must be warned that their days are numbered in the force. We cannot turn our province into a banana republic for criminals and reckless drivers because of a few corrupt officers,” added Shongwe.
In his visit to Mozambique next week, the MEC will discuss issues such
as smuggling of illegal goods, stolen vehicles and cattle and the high number of
accidents involving Mozambique registered vehicles and crime in general.
Issued by Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison
Enquiries: Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
