SANDF should use technology to fight cross-border vehicle theft

Dennis TNovember 27, 2021

5 1 minute read

Parliament has heard that there was a need for the SANDF and other law enforcement agencies to use appropriate technology to fight the cross-border smuggling of stolen vehicles.

This was the word from vehicle tracking companies when they briefed the joint standing committee on defence on challenges with vehicle smuggling along South African borders. Co-chairperson Cyril Xaba said they called the meeting for the companies to talk about their own experience about vehicles smuggled into the neighbouring countries.

Apparently there is an area that runs parallel to the international borderline that extends 10 km inland. The towns, villages and populated areas in the close vicinity of the borderline are affected by the illegal cross-border movements. This area is patrolled by the SANDF, who are deployed on a six-month rotational basis.

“If you drive and happen to be in that zone, then you are likely to have your car taken away. In some areas, they even visit people at homes to take the car keys at gunpoint and drive the vehicles away,” Xaba said.

He said the culprits were so brazen that they killed people who stood in their way. I am interested to know whether the jersey barriers are effective and whether they can be extended to other parts,” Xaba said, referring to the erection of concrete jersey barriers on parts of the borderline.

Tracker chief operating officer Duma Ngcobo said the topography made it difficult to safeguard the border line. There is a role to play by physical structures as part of impediments. We believe there are other capabilities which can complement them,” he said.

Source: eNCA