Communities in the Nondabuya area of Jozini Local Municipality in northern KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa (SA), are pleading for urgent interventions as cross-border crime continues to rise.

Syndicates are reportedly targeting locals who drive bakkies and other large vehicles, with two people killed just two weeks ago and their vehicles taken across the border into Mozambique.

Victims have previously shared their struggles with SABC News, prompting the provincial government to organise a community engagement meeting to gather first-hand information. SA Premier Thami Ntuli is expected to unveil new crime-fighting strategies during the meeting.

Residents say the area faces high unemployment, which contributes to rising crime rates. “It is going to be a challenge to our premier because we are facing a lot of crime here and we are facing a lot of unemployment,” one resident said. He urged collaboration with law enforcement agencies from neighbouring countries to curb the violence.

Local youth also stressed the importance of staying away from crime, alcohol, and drugs to ensure that community resolutions are effective. “This Imbizo is important to us as local residents because it involves local youth, and it will be easy to implement resolutions that will be taken here,” another resident said.

The community is hopeful that the engagement will lead to practical steps to improve safety and security in the region.

–ChannelAfrica–