Many of the challenges and crime around Thohoyandou can be attributed to the porous border, the Select Committee on Security and Justice has concluded after an oversight visit to Thohoyandou last week.
On 23 October the committee visited the Thohoyandou Magistrates Court and the Thohoyandou Police Station. They engaged with the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation, the Special Investigation Unit and the State Security Agency. On 22 October, the committee visited the Border Management Authority at the Beitbridge border where it had engagements with the Department of Home Affairs, the South African Police Services (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force and the South African Revenue Service before doing a site visit.
Committee Chairperson Jane Mananiso said, “The overall visit was enlightening for committee members to better understand how the different stakeholders work together, register challenges and to make recommendations on how to strengthen the work.”
During its oversight visit to the Thohoyando Police Station, the committee heard that there has been an improvement in contact crimes statistics, with murders down from 68 in 2022/2023 to 57 in 2023/2024, attempted murders down 13 counts, assault with the intention to cause serious bodily harm was down 35 counts year on year.
Sexual offences were, however, up 9.3%. “We note the improvement and want to commend the men and women in blue for the hard work. We are however extremely concerned about the increase in sexual offences matters. Our country is struggling with GBVF. It is the responsibility of every person in this country to ensure that attacks on women and children are eliminated,” she highlighted.
The committee heard that although SAPS in the province is understaffed and servicing a large area, it has still managed to increased operations. The Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation reported success with the multi-million rand Groblersdal drug laboratory bust and the Lebowakgomo drug bust, valued at R4 million. The SAPS also reported disruptions to the operations of the Jerusalem gang involved in kidnappings, extortions, murders and illicit trade.
Mananiso said: “It is clear to the committee that much of the challenges and crime in the area was attributed to the porous border, with foreigners finding access in South Africa to products required for producing drugs while being able to access the border to distribute their products to neighbouring countries and internationally.”
The committee also met with civic organisations in Thohoyandou and noted the issues raised of illegal foreigners committing crimes, illegal liquor traders contravening the bylaws, as well as the need for more police personnel and another police station to service Thohoyandou.
“We are happy with the honesty and transparency during our oversight visit, which allowed for meaningful engagement on the real challenges affecting the people on the ground. We call for greater cooperation between all stakeholders to ensure we use resources efficiently and maximise service to our people and keeping our country protected,” said Mananiso.