SANDF issues warning regarding border patrols

Media Statement - The South African National Defense Force (SANDF) would like to reiterate what the Department of Home Affairs said, that it would be illegal for any civil organization or NGO including business to conduct patrols at any borders of the Republic of South Africa. This follows a video that has been circulating on social media and other news platforms that alleges members of the AfriForum had taken the responsibility for border patrols. It must be stated that the constitution of the Republic mandates the SANDF to protect and secure the territorial integrity of the Republic and will do so by making sure that the country’s land, air and sea borders are protected and secured.

It is the responsibility of the SANDF to maintain all borderline integrity of the country and not any other non-state grouping or groups. Therefore the responsibility of borderline patrols belongs to the SANDF which is a statutory law enforcement agency, and that this responsibility cannot be ceded to business, NGOs or organizations.

The SANDF wants to assure all South Africans, in particular those living along the borders that it will continue to secure the borderline and will work with those communities namely; farmers, traditional leaders, business and community in general to ensure that there is a coordinated effort to curb cross border crime. However it will not shed its responsibility given by the constitution to protect and secure the integrity of the Republic to anybody or organization.