The South Africa Defense Minister, Nosiviwe Mapisa Nqakula, has told the Standing committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), that the new Beitbridge border fence has been breached at least 120 times since it was built.
Minister Nqakula said the fence is not fit for purpose and will never work, no matter the quality of fence that is erected along that border. She said the fence has not worked, people have vandalized stolen the fence.
She revealed that the defense command structures have resolved to make use of sensors, similar to the ones being used on the border with Botswana. Drones will also be used along the border with Zimbabwe and Mozambique, which she says are the most difficult borders.
On soldiers filmed recently escorting Zimbabweans across the border, Nqakula said the situation at the border is a humanitarian crisis, and the soldiers often do this to assist the sick, elderly and those who are crossing over to buy food.
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