Border security is essential for maintaining the safety, security and prosperity of a country and its’ citizens. Deployment of soldiers along the borderline is a proactive measure to combat criminal activities such as illegal cross-border movements of undocumented persons, contraband goods, vehicle smuggling, stock theft, and other forms of cross-border criminality.
1 South African Infantry Battalion continues to play a vital role in protecting KwaZulu-Natal borders with Mozambique, Eswatini and Lesotho. With over six month’s presence in the Joint Tactical Headquarters KwaZulu-Natal’s Area of Responsibility, soldiers are working tirelessly to disrupt cross-border criminality.
On 13 April 2024, Alpha Company conducted an operation at Esidakeni in Pongola which led to a discovery of abandoned dagga. The dagga was handed over to the Military Police for processing and further administration, it is estimated to have a significant street value of R452 256.00.
Furthermore, a section from Alpha Company conducted an operation at Belgrade, where two males were spotted coming from Eswatini carrying five bags wrapped with black masking tape heading towards the N2 Road in Pongola. When soldiers approached them, they dropped the bags and ran back to Eswatini. Military Police were called and the dagga is estimated to be worth R 2 671 620.00.
It is evident that the visible presence of the SA National Defence Force is a deterrent to criminal elements operating along the borderline. Their dedication and commitment contribute significantly to the overall security posture along the borderline.
Operational successes in combatting cross-border crime https://t.co/PZwFaoV0Jl#ArriveAlive #BorderCrime #Drugs @SANDF_ZA @TruckAndFreight pic.twitter.com/l4dBStyp7I
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 16, 2024
