Nhleko: Every country is at risk

Johannesburg - Operation Pyramid aims to improve co-ordination and co-operation between the government and civil society to better secure South Africa’s borders, where terrorism, transnational organised crime and human trafficking remain challenges, according to Sunday’s security ministers’ briefing.

“In today’s terms, there is no country in the world that is not vulnerable when it comes to issues of terrorism” said Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko, adding that human and drug trafficking were also concerns. “We need to ensure we have tighter mechanisms (of border management and control) so that, among others, we can embark on proactive measures.”

It emerged that the SANDF aims to deploy additional members to border control, though cost constraints meant numbers would be lower than originally planned. However, between June and September, 4 493 illegal foreigners and 70 criminals were held at various borders, according to the statement, while contraband worth R11.9 million was seized, as well as nine weapons, 19 stolen vehicles and 110 cattle.

The government’s Operation Pyramid focuses on law enforcement and intelligence-driven operations, as well as improving infrastructure and technology solutions. It comes as Operation Fiela, started after the xenophobic violence earlier this year, is set to continue as an anti-crime initiative.

The Star

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