The government of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province has set aside 48 million Rand (about 3.65 million US dollars) to fight cross-border crime, says KZN Premier Willies Mchunu.
He disclosed this during a visit by President Jacob Zuma to Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipality, in northern KZN, about 630 kilometres south east of here Tuesday, as part of the national government’s intensified campaign against crime.
The President had received complaints from residents living in the various local municipalities, which border Swaziland and Mozambique, about high and intolerable levels of cross-border crime of stock theft and car hijackings.
Mchunu said rural communities living in borders are under a huge yoke of poverty and have to bear the burden of stock theft and car hijackings. The problem has heightened tension between South Africans and people from Mozambique, in particular.
He said the role of the police is critical in fighting cross-border crime, but will be enhanced by co-operation between many other departments across all spheres of government.
The Premier said the President’s intervention will strengthen co-operation with different government departments set to play their roles in creating an environment that will result in the eradication of cross-border crime.
While Government pushes for economic integration through free trade, the Premier added that it is unfortunate that the international criminal networks are celebrating as they believe that they will have access to lucrative markets.
Reports suggest that the criminal groups have gained unlimited access to various trans-national networks using sophisticated technology and in most cases they are assisted by corrupt officials working for government departments and law enforcement agencies,” he added.
There are lucrative criminal enterprises operating in Africa, Europe and Asia who have been, for many years trading in endangered species such as rhino horns, Ivory, abalone, copper, precious wood, precious stones and precious metals.
In charge of these enterprises are professional Kingpins who recruit vulnerable unemployed people especially the youth for a variety of illicit activities that generate millions of rands for them.”
Last Sunday, the provincial government convened a cross-border crime summit in Durban, which was attended by Cabinet ministers from neighbouring countries, law enforcement agencies, leaders of society and non-governmental organizations, to canvass views about how to prevent cross-border crime.
It was one of the most important forums that resolved to ensure the co-operation of all stakeholders.
Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK