On Friday, the 27th of June 2025, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, in her capacity as MEC Champion for uMkhanyakude District Municipality, accompanied KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli on an inspection of the South African/Mozambican Kosi Bay Border Post at border gates 6 and 8, as part of efforts to fight cross-border crime.
The borderline area is notorious for carjacking and hijacking of South African cars, which are trafficked to neighbouring countries. Premier Ntuli announced that the provincial government will provide support to community safety structures, praising them as heroes who risk their lives to protect others. He urged communities to also fulfill their roles by supporting these structures. Premier Ntuli commended the locals for a well-organised crime fighting structures, established with the aim of rooting out crime in the area.
During the inspection, Premier Ntuli and MEC kaMadlopha Mthethwa held engagements with frontline officers, including SAPS, SANDF troops and BMA officials. The team evaluated existing infrastructure, patrol operations, surveillance systems and identified areas requiring urgent attention.
“Cross-border crime not only threatens community safety, but also undermines economic development and regional cooperation. This visit sends a clear message: KwaZulu-Natal will not be a haven for criminal operations,” said MEC kaMadlopha-Mthethwa.
The Premier announced that uMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality Mayor T. Khumalo, handed over a drone to assist the Border Management Authority (BMA), crime-fighting structures and SAPS in curbing cross-border crime.
Through these interventions, KwaZulu-Natal aims to transform its border zones into secure corridors for legal trade, economic growth and community safety.
