KwaZulu-Natal’s border zone of Kosi Bay has been plagued by vehicle hijackings, cross-border smuggling, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and the illegal movement of goods and persons.
These were the sentiments shared by KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli during an oversight visit to the Kosi Bay Border Post, a key point of entry between South Africa and Mozambique last week.
Ntuli is also the Executive Authority for the Department of Community Safety and Liaison in the province. His delegation inspected Border Gates 6 and 8, in collaboration with the Border Management Authority (BMA).
He stated that Kosi Bay remained a key point of vulnerability, as criminal syndicates operated across the border, and that his department had taken steps to enhance integrated border management and improve inter-agency coordination.
Ntuli stated that the Kosi Bay inspection was part of the provincial government’s Safety Turnaround Strategy, which is a multi-sectoral approach to tackling crime hotspots, enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement, and improving coordination between government entities in high-risk areas.
During the inspection, Ntuli was accompanied by Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa, the KZN MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development. Both held direct engagements with frontline officers, including the SAPS, South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops, and BMA officials.
The team evaluated existing infrastructure, patrol operations, surveillance systems, and identified areas requiring urgent attention.
Madlopha-Mthethwa called for improved collaboration across all levels of government.
“Cross-border crime not only threatens community safety, but also undermines economic development and regional cooperation. This visit sends a clear message that KwaZulu-Natal will not be a haven for criminal operations,” she said.
The delegation acknowledged the tireless work of local community safety structures that mainly operated under difficult conditions to protect their communities from criminal syndicates.
“These community structures are the true heroes. They risk their lives to safeguard others, and it is our responsibility to support and empower them,” Ntuli said.
During the visit, Thembinkosi Khumalo, mayor of the uMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality, handed over a surveillance drone to be used by the BMA, SAPS, and community crime-fighting forums.
Said Ntuli: “This drone will significantly enhance aerial patrol capabilities and allow for real-time monitoring of vulnerable border zones.”
He said the use of drone technology was part of a broader shift toward smart policing and digital tools to counter the scale and sophistication of cross-border criminal networks.
Ntuli also emphasised the importance of working hand-in-hand with residents, traditional leaders, and neighbouring countries to maintain secure and stable border communities.
“These interventions aim to transform border zones into secure corridors for legal trade, economic growth, and community safety. Our priority is clear — border security is not optional. It is fundamental to creating a safer, more prosperous KwaZulu-Natal,” concluded Ntuli.
zainul.dawood@inl.co.za
