The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) says it will intensify its patrols along the South Africa and Zimbabwe border.

Cases of smuggling of goods along the banks of the Limpopo river usually increase towards the festive season.

SANDF briefed the media in Musina on Thursday.

The defence force has been patrolling the area to curb illegal activities along the border.

Major Shilangoma Mahlahlane says they are tasked with safeguarding hotspots along the border.

“As our mandate is border safeguarding, we are covering a 55 km radius of this area and there are hotspots where vehicles are crossing, there are hotspots where cigarettes and explosives are crossing. So, our mandate at all costs is to disrupt those illegal activities from taking place. It is to stop whatever that is not supposed to come to South Africa illegally.”

Since 01 September 2024, Joint Tactical Operations apprehended 154 illegal undocumented foreign nationals trying to get to South Africa, apprehended vehicles to the value of R 3 741 260 and many illegal cross-border smuggling.#SANDF#JointOperationsDivision#SANDFMediaVisit2024 pic.twitter.com/lNrb9q1Yst

— SA National Defence Force 🇿🇦 (@SANDF_ZA) November 28, 2024

Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo hosted a media briefing for the South Africa -Zimbabwe border visit in Musina, Limpopo on 28 November 2024.#SANDF#JointOperationsDivision#SASoldierMagazine#JointOperationsLimpopo#SANDFMediaVisit2024 pic.twitter.com/AHeKBPIxBZ

— SA National Defence Force 🇿🇦 (@SANDF_ZA) November 28, 2024