SANDF Border Patrol test their mettle
GK CRONJE
20 April 2021
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the troops deployed at the country’s borders continued to apprehend undocumented persons, they have prevented livestock theft, and arrested people guiding livestock towards the borderline.
The South African National Defence Force soldiers deployed on Operation CORONA for Border Safeguarding are maintaining their mandate of protecting the territorial integrity of the Republic of South Africa. These forces are breaking records of confiscating contraband goods, narcotics and intercepting stolen vehicles. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the troops deployed at the country’s borders continued to apprehend undocumented persons, they have prevented livestock theft, and arrested people guiding livestock towards the borderline.
From 1 January until 31 March 2021, the soldiers have confiscated contraband goods to the value of R30 988 844.44, most of which came from Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Stolen vehicles to the value of R26 393 531.00 were intercepted before they could illegally cross the borders. Narcotics valued at R21 473 511.00 have been confiscated by troops deployed in Kwazulu Natal, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape and Free State. More than 12500 undocumented persons were apprehended and handed over to the South African Police Services (SAPS). All confiscated goods were declared and handed over to the relevant state departments, including the SAPS and SARS/Customs. Other activities conducted include traffic fines issued to individuals not abiding by the road traffic rules, and fines issued against citizens who contravened lockdown curfew regulations. The SANDF contributes towards improving the economy of South Africa by maintaining territorial integrity, and seizing all these illegal goods entering the country.