KZN government enhances border security with drone donation to combat crime
Image: KZN Government
KwaZulu-Natal's border zone of Kosi Bay has been plagued by vehicle hijackings, cross-border smuggling, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and the illegal movement of goods and persons.
These were the sentiments shared by KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli during an oversight visit to the Kosi Bay Border Post, a key point of entry between South Africa and Mozambique on Thursday.
Ntuli is also the Executive Authority for the Department of Community Safety and Liaison in the province. His delegation inspected Border Gates 6 and 8, in collaboration with the Border Management Authority (BMA).
He stated that Kosi Bay remains a key point of vulnerability for criminal syndicates operating across the border, and that his department was taking steps to enhance integrated border management and improve inter-agency coordination.
Ntuli lamented that the Kosi Bay inspection is part of the provincial government's Safety Turnaround Strategy, which is a multi-sectoral approach to tackling crime hotspots, enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement, and improving coordination between government entities in high-risk areas.
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During the inspection, Ntuli was accompanied by Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa, the KZN MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development. Both held direct engagements with frontline officers, including the SAPS, South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops, and BMA officials.
The team evaluated existing infrastructure, patrol operations, and surveillance systems, and identified areas requiring urgent attention.
Madlopha-Mthethwa called for improved collaboration across all levels of government.
'Cross-border crime not only threatens community safety, but also undermines economic development and regional cooperation. This visit sends a clear message that KwaZulu-Natal will not be a haven for criminal operations,' she said.
The delegation acknowledged the tireless work of local community safety structures, many of whom operate under difficult conditions to protect their communities from criminal syndicates.
'These community structures are the true heroes. They risk their lives to safeguard others, and it is our responsibility to support and empower them,' Ntuli said.
During the visit, Thembinkosi Khumalo, mayor of the uMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality, handed over a surveillance drone to be used by the BMA, SAPS, and community crime-fighting forums.
Said Ntuli: 'This drone will significantly enhance aerial patrol capabilities and allow for real-time monitoring of vulnerable border zones.'
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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli conducted an inspection at the Kosi Bay border to view cross-border security measures recently. Image: KZN Government KwaZulu-Natal's border zone of Kosi Bay has been plagued by vehicle hijackings, cross-border smuggling, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and the illegal movement of goods and persons. These were the sentiments shared by KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli during an oversight visit to the Kosi Bay Border Post, a key point of entry between South Africa and Mozambique last week. Ntuli is also the Executive Authority for the Department of Community Safety and Liaison in the province. His delegation inspected Border Gates 6 and 8, in collaboration with the Border Management Authority (BMA). He stated that Kosi Bay remained a key point of vulnerability, as criminal syndicates operated across the border, and that his department had taken steps to enhance integrated border management and improve inter-agency coordination. Ntuli stated that the Kosi Bay inspection was part of the provincial government's Safety Turnaround Strategy, which is a multi-sectoral approach to tackling crime hotspots, enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement, and improving coordination between government entities in high-risk areas. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ During the inspection, Ntuli was accompanied by Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa, the KZN MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development. Both held direct engagements with frontline officers, including the SAPS, South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops, and BMA officials. The team evaluated existing infrastructure, patrol operations, surveillance systems, and identified areas requiring urgent attention. Madlopha-Mthethwa called for improved collaboration across all levels of government. 'Cross-border crime not only threatens community safety, but also undermines economic development and regional cooperation. This visit sends a clear message that KwaZulu-Natal will not be a haven for criminal operations,' she said. The delegation acknowledged the tireless work of local community safety structures that mainly operated under difficult conditions to protect their communities from criminal syndicates. 'These community structures are the true heroes. They risk their lives to safeguard others, and it is our responsibility to support and empower them,' Ntuli said. During the visit, Thembinkosi Khumalo, mayor of the uMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality, handed over a surveillance drone to be used by the BMA, SAPS, and community crime-fighting forums. Said Ntuli: 'This drone will significantly enhance aerial patrol capabilities and allow for real-time monitoring of vulnerable border zones.'
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