Lesotho border patrol

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.

gollum wrote:

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

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.

Hiking on the escarpment seems to enjoys a long history of acceptance, or at least tolerance, by both countries. The exact border is not marked, and is even disputed. Hikers walking along the border, and smugglers cross right over is a different kettle of fish in my books. Official reccomendation would be to take your passport along if you are on the escarpment, but I rarely do this anymore unless I intend walking further into Lesotho from the edge. Theoretically the Lesotho Mounted Police could theoretically stop and ask you for ID, though I've personally never encountered them.

However, I had a case on a Grand Traverse once where 2 people dropped out at Sani Pass. They had their passports, but since there was no entry stamp into Lesotho in them, the border official was upset, but eventually let them through.

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