Armed gangs are crossing freely between the Zimbabwe and South Africa Beitbridge Border despite a new R37 Million Border Fence having been erected recently.
Investigations have started into the procurement processes on the erection of the border fence regarding its quality and cost.
The SA Department of Public Works and Infrastructure awarded a tender worth R37 million to build the fence, however the revamped fence is not serving its purpose as it is being cut easily.
Carte Blanche said Parliament’s public accounts watchdog SCOPA has launched an investigation into the procurement process.
SCOPA said the fence was overvalued, it is of poor quality to be priced at R37 million therefore corrupt officials could have used the money to enrich themselves.
Months after holes started appearing in the hastily built border fence, they have multiplied and some have grown big enough to drive a truck through.
Smugglers and people looking for a better livelihood are now wading across the Limpopo every day, either to buy groceries from bakkies that drive through the fence to the river bank, or to seek their fortune in SA.
Security expertise who spoke to Carre Blanche said the minister of public works should have put movement sensors, patrol guards around the 40km fence.
Soldiers are also reported to be charging R600 per person is they catch anyone crossing illegally.
Meanwhile, minister of public works Patricia de lile said serious measures will be implemented to expose corruption which might have took place during the procurement of the fence.
