CRIME activist Calvin Rafadi has criticised the construction of the concrete wall along the border between Mzansi and Mozambique.
The aim of the wall is to curb the theft of cars and the trade in illegal goods.
The barriers, also known as Jersey barriers, were announced after delays by the KZN Department of Roads and Transport in collaboration with the national Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DWPI), which has allocated at least R50 million for the manufacture and positioning of concrete barrier units.
But Rafadi said these walls were not bearing fruit.
"They cross the border like any other person and that’s why the market for illegal cigarettes, guns or drugs is so big. What the government needs to do is conduct a thorough investigation to familiarise itself with how these things work," he said.
To curb crime, he believes money must be pumped into solving crimes in order to infiltrate criminality.
"The intelligence service has the power to investigate and arrest, so pump the money there. We are dealing with organised crime and syndicates. This fence will only lead to this so-called corruption procurement," he said.
The current eight kilometre project, which was launched more than four years ago, is on hold pending the completion of the Special Investigative Unit's investigation into the R85,7 million tender.
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KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube emphasised in his State of the Province Address in April 2023 that cross-border crime was high on the agenda, especially as most of the smuggling of stolen vehicles was taking place along the border with Mozambique - a problem that was determined to be tackled.
"The concrete wall is to be constructed between the uMkhanyakude district and the border with Mozambique," she said.
The measures include joint police operations to improve detection of crimes and penetration of criminal gangs.
Meanwhile, a report to the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans on Wednesday, 6 March noted significant progress in the construction of the wall.
Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato stressed that through the BMA law enforcement there has been among other things effective access control at borders as well as access to all trade movements.
