Illicit trafficking of vehicles across Beit Bridge border post

This report examines the policing of Beit Bridge border post, and discusses measures in place to prevent the illicit cross border vehicle trade

Over the last decade the trafficking in stolen vehicles has become a prominent form of crime within Southern Africa. Vehicles stolen or hijacked in South Africa are transported across the borders for sale in neighbouring countries.

Since 1994 there have been a number of significant changes to the policing of South African land borders. A number of innovative measures were introduced to address the illicit cross border trafficking of vehicles.The Beit Bridge border with South Africa is one such land border.

This report examines the policing of the Beit Bridge border post, and discusses measures in place to prevent the illicit cross border vehicle trade and the impact these measures have had on this trade. 

About the author

Jenni Irish-Qhobosheane works for Injobo Nebandla, which is a consultancy that focuses on conducting investigative research within Southern Africa. Injobo Nebandla has worked on various criminal justice related projects and has produced several publications including: Vehicle hijackings in South Africa, Assessing community crime prevention initiatives in communities in Kwazulu Natal, Crime in post conflict societies in Southern Africa, and Drug trafficking within South Africa and neighbouring countries.