Question NW2249 to the Minister of Police
30 September 2021 - NW2249
Shembeni, Mr HA to ask the Minister of Police
What are the reasons that (a) personnel at border posts such as the Lebombo Port of Entry have more than 30 personnel in a shift, who after midnight do nothing but claim night shift allowance and (b) the specified personnel are not deployed to me nearest police station like Komatipoort and Tonga SAPS to assist with patrols during the night?
Reply:
Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), who are stationed at Ports of Entry are also safeguarding the infrastructure of the ports and Includes, but is not limited to, the vehicles and equipment used by other Government departments, that are performing duties at Ports of Entry. There are travellers that arrive after the dosing hours of the Ports of Entry and spend the night sleeping in the queue, outside the Ports of Entry. The SAPS members also safeguard the travellers, their vehicles and goods.
Many activities, like the smuggling of ill\cit goods and illegal crossings, take place at the borderline closer to the ports, after the Ports of Entry have closed, as these people come back to the load, to get transport and continue their journey. The SAPS Is responsible to prevent such activities, after the Ports of Entry have closed. The policing of the 10km radius from a Port of Entry is important, to curb the illegal activities, at night. If the SAPS members are removed and policing is not done in the 10km radius from the Port of Entry, Illegal activities will rise and pose a security threat to the Republic of South Africa (RSA).
Reply to question 2248 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE
Date: 2021-09-23
Reply to question 2249 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 29-09-2021