MANANGA- Mbuzini Police have hosted a border security campaign which is aimed at reducing crime in areas next to the illegal exit and entry points. This is an annual campaign conducted by police and the department of home affairs in a drive to teach people about the dangers of using these points instead of legal border gates.

More than two hundred residents rallied behind the campaign on Sunday at Mananga community hall. Issues related to car smuggling and other petty crimes have been discussed by the residents with some high-ranking police officials. The police promised to address each and every concern raised during the campaign. Police warned the villagers concerning the rising number of sugar cane theft from Swaziland to Mananga.

“We met with Swaziland police. They blew a whistle stating that they will now use live ammunition to shoot people who steal sugar cane from their country,” said Mbuzini police, Inspector Frankie Sibiya.

Residents complained about taverns which operate until late in the night. They alleged that this has contributed to the spate of robberies which have plagued the village in recent times. Regional Manager at Ehlanzeni Safety and Security, Agrippa Mabuza, encouraged people to use legal borders in order to generate more income for the state.

“There are certain levies which are paid when one crosses the border and that contributes to revenue collection,” concluded detective head of Mbuzini Police, Inspector Solomon