By Celani Sikhakhane
The National Freedom Party in KwaZulu-Natal claims that the porous borders in the province have taken away the freedom of the rural communities, which was gained 30 years ago when the country ushered in the Democratic era.
Addressing party supporters during a Freedom commemoration held in Manguzi near the Mozambican border, NFP Provincial Secretary Zodwa Mtshali said that unsecured borders are frustrating rural communities because their vehicles are stolen in broad daylight and whisked away to Mozambique.
She said this has led communities to live in fear, unable to enjoy the freedom of owning their cars without being harassed by criminals.
“While the rest of South Africa celebrates this day of freedom, the communities in Manguzi are still suffering. They don’t feel free in their own country because their freedom has been stolen by criminals through porous borders. This is a shame and we need to stand up against this problem,” said Mtshali.
Border crimes have also spread into the midlands, with livestock being stolen and smuggled into Lesotho.
Data from the Stock Theft Prevention Forum that was released in 2020 stated that in 2018 and 2019 farmers lost about R2-billion through stock theft nationwide.
KZN topped the list followed by Free State and Eastern Cape.
Community member Noluthando Mngomezulu said that criminals have taken their freedom away.
“We don’t feel like we are part of a free South Africa because of the deadly crimes we are faced with. Our cars are taken from our homes, in hospitals and even at police stations. If you hide it at the police station they come to your home and threaten to kill you or your family if you don’t go and drive your own car out of the police station and hand it to them. It’s a serious pain that we are facing in this area,” said Noluthando.
The government is reconstructing the R85-million New Jersey Wall which is a 25-kilometre concrete stretch at the vulnerable South African Mozambican border post in Manguzi.
Pictured above: NFP KZN Secretary Zodwa Mtshali claims that the freedom that was attained in 1994 has been stolen by border crime in rural communities.
Image source: Celani Sikhakhane
