Border Security Tightens in Mpumalanga

Border police in South Africa’s Mpumalanga province are cracking down on cross-
border crimes, according to a recent media statement from the office of the Provincial
Commissioner.

In the past week, there have been two major seizures of suspected stolen vehicles at
border crossings. On February 29, the Nerston and Mahamba border police team
recovered a Toyota Corolla that was reported stolen from Queenstown back in
December 2010. Just a few days later on March 2, officers at the Oshoek Port of Entry
seized another suspected stolen Toyota after finding its vehicle identification number
(VIN) had been tampered with.

Border police are also intercepting smugglers attempting to move illicit goods across the
borders. On March 1, the Jeppes Reef team arrested a 36-year-old Eswatini national
trying to enter South Africa with 2.35 kg of marijuana worth an estimated R9,870. The
suspect was charged with drug possession and violating immigration laws.

Provincial Commissioner Manamela praised the work of the border officers in stepping
up security. “We went an extra mile in intensifying border security,” he stated.

The recent seizures and arrests show border policing is ramping up efforts to combat
crimes like vehicle theft, smuggling, and undocumented immigration at the province’s
ports of entry. Tighter border security aims to make it harder for criminals to exploit the
borders for illegal activity. As border operations expand, citizens can expect to see more
frequent confiscations and arrests in the coming months.