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Freeman Razemba in MBABANE, Swaziland
Swaziland Prime Minister Dr Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini has applauded Sadc law enforcement agents for conducting joint operations and managing to combat transnational crime syndicates. Speaking during the official opening of the 9th edition of the Southern Africa Regional Police Chiefs’ Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) Games at Mavuso Sports Complex here, Dr Dlamini said SARPCCO has over the past 20 years made various contributions in combating and reducing crimes in the region.
Zimbabwe is represented by a strong contingent of over 200 police officers at the games which are scheduled to end on August 2.
The other countries attending the games are Swaziland, Zambia, Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi, Lesotho, DRC, Angola, Botswana and Mauritius.
“SARPCCO has made a very significant contribution to the strengthening of and safety security frameworks through providing a viable mechanism for regional collaboration and cooperation in defeating the scourge of transnational crimes,” Dr Dlamini said.
He said through SARPCCO, there have been joint operations and strategies among member States to curb crimes in the region.
“These collaborations between law enforcement agents has proved absolutely vital as we encounter at both regional and global level transnational crime syndicates operating at an increasing higher level of sophistication and collaboration,” said Dr Dhlamini.
He applauded Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri and his former counterparts from South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, Namibia, Mozambique and Lesotho and others, for playing a role in pioneering SARPCCO.
Dr Dlamini said during joint operations among member States, they had witnessed a spirit of unity among law enforcement agents in the region.
“Notably we have seen joint operations being conducted in curbing crimes such as stock theft, theft of motor vehicles, drug trafficking, illicit firearms and environmental crimes,” he said.
“The joint operations have systematically frustrated transnational crime syndicates in their activities.”
Dr Dhlamini said the SARPCCO games provided a platform to network, interact, and share ideas among police officers while participating in sport.
Police Deputy Commissioner-General (human resources) Levie Sibanda, head of Zimbabwe Delegation Commissioner Mekia Tanyanyiwa, service chiefs from the region and senior officers attended the opening ceremony.
Online Reporter