Oyaphi: Residents shutdown toll gate | Daily Sun

Villagers from Niani in Limpopo blocked the N1 Baobab Toll Gate in protest of cross-border crimes.

TRAFFIC came to a standstill as a group of protesters blocked the Baobab Toll Gate along the N1 in Limpopo on Friday, 30 August.

Villagers from Niani outside Musina were protesting against high incidents of vehicle and livestock theft, hijackings and smuggling of vehicles into neighbouring countries through the Beitbridge port of entry.

The toll gate links Musina town and Beitbridge border post.

The villagers said their village has been hard hit by crime and government seems not to be willing to address the issue.

One of the protesters, Jackson Mashamba (46) said they had no choice but to join the protest as they are under siege. “We are no longer safe even in our homes because these criminals are attacking where we thought we would be safe,” he said.

He said law enforcement agencies have failed them as crime in their area is escalating. “Our village is being used as a gateway for luxury vehicles through the bushes and nothing is being done because we don’t see any change,” he said.

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Another protester, John Makhuba (38) said they had to block the toll gate to attract the attention of the relevant authorities. “We needed to show them that we are very serious about this issue because our lives are at risk. We have had enough of living in fear and need to feel free,” he said.

They villagers said countless meetings were held with authorities where they raised their issues, but they are angered by not seeing change.

However, Limpopo police spokesman, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said they have recorded notable success in the fight against cross-border crimes, especially at borderline stations of Musina, Masisi, Tshamutumbu and Muswodi in the Vhembe district.

Ledwaba said in the district alone, 96 high powered vehicles were recovered and 61 suspects intercepted from January until Monday, 19 August en route to being smuggled out of the country.

“The Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe is satisfied with the work of our officers on the ground and the operational plan in place to combat cross border crimes though more work still needs to be done,” he said.