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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Willies Mchunu has announced that the provincial government has set aside R48 million to fight cross border crime. He was speaking today during a visit by the President of the Republic, His Excellency Jacob Zuma in Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipality. National Ministers and members of the Provincial Executive Council attended accompanied the president on the inspection of the border and the local police station.

It should be noted that on the 12th August 2012, the provincial government convened a cross-border crime summit held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. This summit which was attended by ministers from neighboring countries, law enforcement agencies, leaders of society and non-governmental organisations was convened to canvass views about how to prevent cross-border crime. It was one of the most important forums that resolved to ensure the co-operation of all stakeholders.

Mchunu rermaked:  “Rural communities living in our borders, are under a huge yoke of poverty have to bear the burden of stock theft and car hijackings. The problem has heightened tension between South Africans and our brothers and sisters from Mozambique in particular.”

“The role of the police is critical in fighting cross-border crime, but will be enhanced by the cooperation between many other departments across all spheres of government. An orderly and legal movement of people and effective cross-border trade will contribute towards socio-economic development in the SADC region. It is detrimental to all interests if there is a fragmented or unco-ordinated approach towards dealing with these issues.”

“Therefore, the president’s intervention will strengthen this co-operation with different government departments look set to play their role in creating an environment that will result in the eradication of cross-border crime.”

“Critically, as SADC moves towards a free trade area, cross border crime presents the region with a number of challenges. Our province is home to more than 11 million people and is located in the eastern seaboard of our country, sharing border with SADC - Mozambique, Botswana and Swaziland.”

“It is reported that SADC, the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community, all comprising 26 countries form Africa’s biggest free trade bloc which will eventually create a single continent-wide market estimated to be worth more than US $1 trillion. These 26 countries have a combined population of approximately 590 million and an aggregate GDP of US $860 billion.”

“While we push for economic integration through free trade, it is unfortunate that the international criminal networks are celebrating as they believe that they will have access to this lucrative market. Reports suggests that the criminal groups have gained unlimited access to various trans-national networks using sophisticated technology and in most cases they are assisted by corrupt officials working for government departments and law enforcement agencies.”

“There are lucrative criminal enterprises operating in Africa, Europe and Asia who have been, for many years trading in endangered species such as rhino horns, Ivory, abalone, copper, precious wood, precious stones and precious metals.”

“In charge of these enterprises - are professional Kingpins who recruit vulnerable unemployed people especially the youth for a variety of illicit activities that generate millions of rands for them.

“With operations in major cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, Nelspruit, KwaBulawayo, Harare, Durban, Maputo, Nampula, Beira, Manzini, Luanda etc, the Kingpins do not work as competitors but they collaborate with one another. It is alleged that they have networks in various organisations such as Customs, Home Affairs, SARS, Department of Transport Licencing Officees and insurance companies.”

“The provincial government is pleased with the support from the department of international relations and co-operation. This support will ensure that there is cooperation between law enforcement agencies of neighboring countries. There are issues ranging from judicial harmonisation, the development of standardised regulations, ‘rules of origin’ for goods, proper processing procedures, the criminal conviction of offenders, to training standards, the utilisation, availability and affordability of technology and the implementation of open and simple channels for communication.”

Issued by KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier