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This thread discusses the Content article: DA voices Concern over Lesotho Border Security

I think most hikers would agree that the situation is not acceptable. However, the question remains. Would a larger police force on the border reduce the amount of smuggling, while at the same time decimating the beautiful environment that it is (most people would have seen the decimation around caves occupied by the SANDF and their border camps ). More can be done, by all means. I think a register alongside the mountain register for raising concerns (cave degradation, path clarity, smuggling activity etc) would be a really helpful alternative, whereby it is almost as though it is like a community watch, and can pinpoint areas for increased policing efforts.

Any other thoughts?

What I would like to see is more of an acknowledgement from government/authorities about the issue. A silence and apathy never goes down well with the people that are seeing the severity of the problem with their own eyes.

Have to agree that having more SANDF patrols and camps in the Berg is not necessarily any better. They did slow down the cattle rustling and apprehended some smugglers, though it seems the smugglers largely ran circles around them. A difficult task in the best of circumstances. But I do think it's better to apprehend smugglers at the bottom of the valleys and foothills where the smuggling trails converge, rather than trying to chase in them in mountainous terrain.

The SANDF did make an unfortunate negative environmental impact (and never mind the fact that domsmooth and myself were refused entry to one of their caves once during a massive thunderstorm!), but at least they were out there - which is more than can be said about the local police, who seem largely apathetic or even involved themselves. My understanding is that the special border unit is more serious and motivated about the problem. Still, I have yet to encounter them or the Lesotho mounted police on the escarpment.

Not sure if KZN Wildlife want such a register or not, but any irregularities and issues should definitely be reported to them anyway (just ask to speak to the officer at the end of your hike, or phone them afterwards). This forum should also be used to report stuff like that, which serves to collaborate information, and, so that all readers are aware of this, I do at times inform KZN Wildlife about some of the issues that are reported here.

I know that they are undertaking a detailed environmental assessment of caves and trails in some areas, though I'm unsure of the progress.

Hehe, wow, it's all going down the drain under this stupid government!

We went climbing in the Injisuthi area this weekend. On Saturday night, while on the contour path between Centenary Hut and Corner pass, we saw a train of lights on the path leading from the hut down to Fergy's Cave. They were regularly spaced, and simply kept coming over the hill. We counted between 15 and 20. The large number, the nature of the lights (orange light and casting no spots), and the sparse formation led us to the conclusion that it had to be a smuggling train.

Then, Monday night while camping in Leslie's pass, we saw a similiar train in the same area. It looked like a busy highway at night!

Would they be active in such a relatively remote and difficult area?

gollum wrote:
Yep, you betcha! Judges Pass is popular with them - they have "developed" this pass nicely, it's no longer difficult. From there it seems they walk out near the iNtodolo Flats, stopping to rest in Dinosaur Cave along the way. The remoteness suites them just fine.