This joint effort between the Free State department of community safety, roads and transport, and the Lesotho government is also aimed at strengthening security along their shared border. The department says the landmark accord, adopted at a recent bilateral meeting, established a dynamic and multifaceted plan to address issues ranging from stock theft to water security.

At the heart of the plan is the creation of a permanent task team dedicated to a pressing issue in the region: stock theft and illegal grazing. 

The department says the team will spearhead a coordinated approach, working alongside increased patrols and intelligence-driven operations specifically designed to disrupt human trafficking and illegal transport networks.

Representatives of the two governments at the signing of the agreement. Photo: Free State department of community safety, roads and transport

“A working team will be established to streamline documentation for children and work-permit processes, making it easier for workers and families to move lawfully across the border,” said the department.

To ensure accountability and progress, the joint plan outlines a rigorous quarterly joint operations calendar. Senior officials will also conduct regular visits to known hotspots to verify progress on the ground and lock in timelines for key deliverables, ensuring the plan remains on track.

“The initiative also focuses on securing the Free State-Lesotho corridor, with efforts to streamline compliant movement at border posts, fast-track legitimate permits, and apply risk-based inspections to disrupt smuggling,” said the department of community safety, roads and transport. 

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Officials from Free State department of community safety, roads and transport and the Kingdom of Lesotho have expressed confidence that this collaborative effort will yield tangible results.

According to the department, the joint plan is expected to lead to safer farms and towns, promote fair and transparent livestock management, and foster stronger economic growth and regional stability. 

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