M Chabane

The ANC regards the prevention of crime as a national priority and believes that transnational crime with the movement of people and commodities across national borders poses a significant challenge to law enforcement in the region. Thus, the recent cross-border operation between South Africa and Botswana, which has achieved good outcomes in fighting cross-border crimes along our shared borders must be welcomed.

The operation, which started on Thursday, September 5 and it ended on Sunday, September 9, focused on illegal activities related to transnational crimes, as well as strict enforcement of border management activities.

Police targeted the Van Zylsrus, Witdraai, Gembok, Twee Rivieren, Middleputs and Makatiesrus areas. The operation aimed to address drug smuggling, undocumented immigration and other forms of cross-border crime. Members from various divisions, including Border Police, Border Intelligence and Stock theft and Endangered Species worked together to combat crime. They were supported by SANParks and the Border Management Agency. The teams accomplished several actions, such as compliance checks, vehicle checkpoints and border patrols. The operation led to 33 compliance visits and several fines related to traffic, gambling and liquor offences. The police also confiscated drugs, including dagga and arrested one undocumented person for violating immigration laws.