Planned shut down over cross-border crime

RESIDENTS of the uMhlabuyalingana Municipality, which comprises Manguzi and Mbazwana, are allegedly planning a total shutdown of schools and businesses in the entire uMkhanyakude district tomorrow (Friday).

This comes after recent protests in Manguzi and Mbazwana about cross-border crime in the area.

Spokesperson for the uMkhanyakude District, Mdu Dlamini, could not confirm whether the shutdown rumours were true, but the ZO has seen information indicating that protesters plan to shut down schools and businesses.

ALSO READ: Mbalula address cross-border crime at Manguzi

Hospitals, clinics and ambulance services, among others, will not be affected.

Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula will address community members tomorrow after having visited the area last week and listening to the community’s concerns and demands.

The demands included that government attend to the hijackings and smuggling of cars across the Mozambican border, and that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) deal with SAPS jurisdiction issues, as police cannot pursue suspects into Mozambique.

Two weeks ago protesters shut down the Kosi Bay border post, forcing Public Order Policing (POP) units from the region to get involved and restore order.

Schools and shops in Manguzi and surrounding areas were shut down while residents demanded intervention.

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