The SAPS have demonstrated their seriousness in fighting against illicit mining and other criminal activities by destroying a makeshift bridge near Beitbridge border between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Police said that in a concerted effort to prevent and combat serious crimes, last week they destroyed a “man-made” bridge which was built over the Limpopo River near the Beitbridge Port of Entry.
SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said border policing members deployed on the South African/Zimbabwean borderline found the bridge while patrolling the border fence line.
Van Wyk said the illegal bridge was less than 1km east of Beit Bridge Port of Entry and reportedly used to smuggle goods and people into and out of South Africa.
“Through the expertise of the SAPS’ Explosive Section, the bridge was successfully destroyed ahead of Limpopo province’s rain season,” she said.
Van Wyk said the border policing members deployed in Limpopo form part of Operation Vala Umgodi -- the government’s response to address illicit mining activities in the country.
Operation Vala Umgodi, established in December 2023, is inclusive of the SAPS, SANDF, Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and other law enforcement agencies.
“These multi-disciplinary operations are being carried out in the seven identified hotspot provinces, namely the Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the Northern Cape and North West,” said Van Wyk.
Earlier this year, The Border Management Authority (BMA) said it intercepted and prevented more than 281 000 people from unlawfully entering South Africa since the initial deployment of border guards last year.
Police vowed to arrest any illegal immigrant found on the wrong side of the law.
It is known that thousands of immigrants enter South Africa illegally in pursuit of jobs and better living conditions. Some of those found themselves involved in serious to minor crimes.
Meanwhile, some ports of entry affected by the weekend’s snowfall were closed.
BMA Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, on Saturday issued a notice to travellers that in light of the persistent snowfall, the conditions leading to some ports of entry have become unsafe to enter.
Given the situation, the BMA and stakeholders operating at the port, have taken a decision to close Sani Pass, Boesmansnek and Monontsha ports of entry for operations until further notice.
“This precaution was taken to ensure the safety of travellers, tourists and officials, as the current conditions pose a significant danger,” said Masiapato.
Travellers were advised that Ficksburg port, Caledonspoort, Makhaleng as well as the Maseru ports of entry could be used as alternatives to enter Lesotho.
The Star