LIMPOPO – A group of protesters blocked the Baobab Toll Gate this morning in protest of cross-border crimes, among others.
A video shared on the Polokwane Emergency Alerts WhatsApp group shows a large gathering of people blocking the tollgate.
VIDEO: Motorists are advised to avoid the Boabab Tollgate near Musina if possible due to a blockage by protesters in the area.
A video shared on the Polokwane Emergency Alerts WhatsApp group shows a large gathering of people blocking the tollgate.
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— Polokwane Observer (@PolokwaneObserv) August 30, 2024
According to a poster on social media, the Niani Village community are protesting against high incidents of theft of vehicles, hi-jacking, and smuggling of vehicles into neighbouring countries through the Beitbridge Border Post.
On Thursday, the provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe issued a stern warning against the shutdown, stating that no amount of lawlessness will be tolerated.
“Police in the Vhembe district have recorded notable successes in the fight against cross-border crimes especially at borderline stations. The police have arrested many suspects, recovered high powered vehicles worth millions of rands through ongoing anti-smuggling operations and intensified intelligence-driven operations across the country. In the Vhembe District alone, 96 high powered vehicles were recovered and 61 suspects were intercepted en route to smuggle the vehicles out of the country,” her statement read.
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Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the police have been engaging in a series of meetings with stakeholders including the South African National Defence Force, Border Management Authority, Traffic Police, the Musina Local Municipality, Limpopo Provincial Government, farmers associations and others to find a lasting solution.
“We are satisfied with the work of our officers on the ground and the operational plan in place to combat cross border crimes, though more work still need to be done. We are grateful for the unwavering support from our partners in our concerted efforts against crime,” Hadebe said.
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The protest is said to have moved from the N1, with traffic now flowing smoothly.
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