South Africa using rocks to prevent stolen 4x4s from crossing border into Mozambique – minister

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South Africa using rocks to prevent stolen 4x4s from crossing border into Mozambique – minister

10:22 CAT | 11 May 2017

File photo / "We had to come up with other ways to stop criminals from crossing the border into Mozambique with 4x4 vehicles stolen in South Africa," said Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula

South African authorities have resorted to placing huge rocks on the border with Mozambique to prevent stolen 4x4s from being driven across to our country.

This was revealed by SA’s Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula during a question and answer session in the National Council of Provinces on Tuesday, Netwerk24 reported.

She was questioned, among other things, about increased security measures on the country’s borders, the database of military veterans and the army’s budget.

Members of the SANDF currently protect the borders with mobile and foot patrols as part of Operation Corona. They are assisted by SAPS border patrol and officials from the Department of Home Affairs.

Mapisa-Nqakula told MPs that South Africa’s borders had unique challenges, citing the 96km-long border between Mozambique and KwaZulu-Natal as an example.

‘Smarter’ border control

“We had to come up with other ways to stop criminals from crossing the border into Mozambique with 4×4 vehicles stolen in South Africa.

“The army had to place huge rocks on the border to prevent criminals from driving the vehicles across the border,” she said.

“Smarter” ways of border control are being considered according to Mapisa-Nqakula, who said the department was also considering using cameras and sensors instead of just fences along the borders.

Asked about the people in military kit who were deployed at the ANC’s Luthuli House headquarters on April 5, believed to be members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) veterans’ association, Mapisa-Nqakula said that the department hadn’t been involved.

“If you go to any Chinese shop, you’ll be able to buy military gear there and wear it.”

Source: News 24