South African Minister of Police Bheki Cele on Thursday urged police officers in southern Africa to work together to fight transnational crimes.
Cele made the remarks while addressing the 27th annual general meeting of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Co-operation Organization (SARPCCO) in Pretoria, which was attended by police ministers and chiefs in the southern African region.
“South African law enforcements remain ready and able to enforce and maintain the law within our borders. We, as a country, are also very committed to actively playing our part to combat any form of criminal activities associated with our region. We are encouraged that this fight against transnational organized crime is not ours alone,” said Cele.
He called for the region to eradicate “transnational crime and its remnants,” saying this would yield positive results.
Cele also said the region will work together in the facilitation of investigations and joint cross-border operations as well as capacity building.
“Working in silos will never produce fundamental change and progress. Hence I support the African proverb that says ‘If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.’ It is clear we have to walk the talk and speak in one voice. We, as the regional nations, are in this together and we will combat drug and human trafficking syndicates, wildlife poaching, and maritime crimes and all their manifestations.”
He suggested the region should harmonize the legislation and other policing activities to bring public order and security while urging the police to tackle cross-border vehicle theft and arms trafficking, which threaten peace and security.
He warned that transnational criminals are becoming “highly sophisticated and dangerous” which requires a regional response to tackle it on “sea, land or in the air.” Enditem
