Drastic measures put in place by the South African government to prevent stolen vehicles from being smuggled across the border to Mozambique are bearing fruits, the police said today.
Briefing the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC, Mr. Sihle Zikalala during the provincial government October Transport Month programme in Jozini Municipality, the Ngwavuma Police Station Commander, Colonel Masuku confidently reported that the smuggling of stolen vehicles from South Africa to Mozambique has been curbed.
“The deployment of a special anti-vehicle smuggling police unit comprising members drawn from different parts of the country had helped the local police to stop car hijacking syndicates,” Masuku said.
Welcoming the positive news, Zikalala commended the police, adding that it was a major boost for the tourism industry and communities which had been severely affected by car hijacking syndicates.
“We are extremely happy that our law agencies have managed to stop car hijacking syndicates from smuggling cars into Mozambique. We want to thank President Jacob Zuma who has ensured that the central government works closely with the provincial government to deal with this problem. When President Zuma visited the affected areas earlier this year, he made a commitment that government would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that syndicates were stopped. The success we have scored in such a short space of time is a clear indication that we have a caring government that is serious protecting its citizens.”
As part of the October Transport Month programme, Zikalala also participated in a roadblock at Bhambanana where he interacted with passengers and motorists. The programme has also seen the provincial government visiting communities to launch new roads which will enhance access to crucial amenities such as schools, clinics, hospitals and other destinations.
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KZN MEC commends law enforcement for curbing smuggling of vehicles to Mozambique https://t.co/IIYeGqMzK3 @kzngov @KZNTransport #ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/jogE4YdG6k
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) October 26, 2017