KZN CPF concerned about lack of community involvement in the fight against cross-border crime

DURBAN -The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Community Policing Forum (CPF) has raised concerns about a lack of intelligence amid efforts to fight cross-border crime.

The forum formed part of an operation by the provincial government targeting the rampant crime rate at the Kosi Bay border post on Friday.

It said community members were playing very little to no role in helping authorities fight criminal activity.

READ: KZN govt taking fight against undocumented foreign nationals to Kosi Bay border gate

Among other concerns raised at the border was the lack of resources, including vehicles and other high-tech equipment, which can be used to monitor the borderline.

While members of the South African National Defence Force, South African Police Service and Border Management Authority are maintaining law and order at the border gate, illegal foreign nationals still manage to get into the country illegally.

This is said to be done through illegal routes created by some locals in exchange for money.

KZN CPF secretary Siyanda Biyela said, “We know some will evade and say it's due to poverty and the issue of unemployment. These people are giving them a certain amount of money when they spot and report such things, but we must have them reporting to us - we are countering them because as they change the modus operandi, we must also change.”

He called on authorities to intensify visibility, especially at gates 8 and 9, which have been flagged as problematic.

COMMUNITY CRIES ABOUT CRIME

Meanwhile, the Manguzi community has pleaded with the KZN provincial government to help them in their crime-fighting efforts, citing a lack leadership in the area.  

The northern KZN community is battling crime due to criminal elements around the nearby border gate. 

During a community engagement with Premier Thami Ntuli, locals raised concerns about not receiving the help they needed. 

Community Policing Forum chairperson Madoda Ngubane, said "We have even went as far as Mozambique to fetch things stolen by foreign nationals but as CPF we keep fighting crime, I will say this with no doubt, it’s like we don’t have a councillor here - because our councillor is too behind.” 

Meanwhile, Thulani Khumalo complained about the municipality. 

“We have a municipality here; they don’t help us at all - all they do is buy food parcels which don’t even reach people, in order to eat money.”

The premier urged all councillors to volunteer and join the crime-fighting structures.

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