23 Apr 2020

Four cases of border fence vandalism in Mbalambi in the North East District have been recorded.

Mr Kangangwani Malumbela of the Department of Veterinary Services said in an interview that pickets 39 and 40 behind had become haven for criminals.

Mr Malumbela said criminals cut a huge chunk of fence to create an opening for vehicles to drive through.

“By the look of things, these criminals transport goods from Zimbabwe into Botswana and bypass through the outskirts of villages so that they don’t get caught,” he said.

He also indicated that perpetrators chose to use ungazzetted routes following implementation of extreme social distancing regulation.

Furthermore, Mr Malumbela said a veterinary fence within the highway of Vukwi, Moroka, Bisoli and Sekokwe operated for 24 hours to monitor movements extensively.

However, he said other minor gates were only manned during the day such as Letsholathebe, Ramoja and Kgari of which some might use them for unscrupulous activities.

He highlighted that all veterinary gates were keeping records of movement of entry and exit, adding only those with valid permits were allowed to travel.

Again, he indicated that some people without travel permits resisted to turn back when veterinary officers ordered them to.

“Some even get violent and attack officers when they deny them entry so we have engaged law enforcement officers to attend to such cases,” he said.

He further revealed that they were in the process of installing water bars at the cordon fences for people to disinfect their shoes. ends