13 Apr 2021

The Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security is aware of illegal cross border incidents along Molopo River between Bokspits and Boshock/Banyana.

Responding to a question in Parliament on Monday, Minister Kagiso Mmusi said 334 cases were recorded in area from 2019 to 2020, highlighting that prevalent offences included entering through ungazetted points and smuggling of livestock.

He said Werda police station recorded the highest number of offences at a total of 230, followed by Tsabong station with 85 cases, while Middlepits and Bokspits recorded 10 and nine respectively.

Regarding culprits or perpetrators, Mr Mmusi said 332 suspects were arrested, out of which 287 were convicted.

He said the Bokspits/Boshock boarder stretch was consistently patrolled by law enforcement agencies from both Botswana and South Africa in an endeavour to address illegal cross border incidents.

“The collaboration includes but not limited to joint investigations and sharing of information. Other interventions include public education and other policing initiatives targeting communities living along the common border,” he said.

Kgalagadi South Member of Parliament, Mr Sam Brooks had asked the minister if he was aware of the illegal cross border activities along Molopo River between Bokspits and Boshoek/Banyana. ENDS