…SANDF officers charged with high visibility in crime hotspots on the Lesotho border
Nomazulu Moyo
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Soldiers are making sure that the border between South Africa and Lesotho is free from any criminal activities.
Since October 2023, soldiers have been patrolling the border throughout keeping criminals at bay.
The South African Defence Force (SANDF) exercise, dubbed Operation Corona, will end in March 2024.
SANDF recently invited media to a tour of the operation in Ladybrand in Free State and the Maseru Bridge.
Crime fight targeting livestock theft, illegal immigrants
SANDF Intelligence officer, Captain Botshelo Life Phutiyagae, said that livestock theft, illegal grazing, and illegal immigrants were some of the common crimes in the vicinity of the South Africa-Lesotho border.
“The most problematic areas are Clocolan, Ficksburg, Ladybrand, Zastron and Wepenar where criminal activities usually take place between 8pm and 4am,” Captain Phutiyagae said.
“Since the beginning of the operation, 41 undocumented people have been arrested, three vehicles were recovered, 40 stolen livestock were found.”
Crime fight deterred by the public who attack officers
Despite their good intentions, the officers operating in the area are often pelted with stones by Lesotho nationals who often resist their presence.
“In the near future, when our officers are trained, it will make our jobs much easier because they will be able to fly drones and detect any illegal movements. For now, we only depend on our mobile patrols, foot patrols, and the basic ways of doing things in the defence force.”
The enhancement would also enable them to cover larger areas in shorter periods.
So far, they have reduced illegal activities along the border by engaging relevant stakeholders including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), traditional leaders, the police, security services, and the South African Border Management Authority.
Observing activities linked to crime also part of the job
Alpha Company 5 Sai Battalion Platoon Commander, Lieutenant Mosibidi Glenda Ramawela, said part of the job was observing activities in the border areas.
“Often, our informants advise us whenever there has been livestock theft and we go to the place. On arrival, we follow procedures. Normally, when we do vehicle patrols, headmen run away and that is usually a sign of illegal activity,” she said.
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The soldiers therefore use their training to handle the situation since “they are trained to operate in any condition”.
Lieutenant Colonel Peet Visagie SO1 Landops from the Joint Tactical Headquarters in Free State said effecting arrests was sometimes problematic because suspects always fled.
“When we train and deploy officers, we teach them what we call detect and block while they are moving along the line to prevent criminals from crossing,” he said.
Their main targets are potential illegal crossing points and they ensure to maintain high visibility.
