Pretoria – South Africa and China have agreed to share their expertise and work together to combat crime.
Deputy Police Minister Maggie Sotyu held discussions with China’s Vice Minister of Public Security, Zhang Xinfeng, in Pretoria on Monday.
“Our main relationship with China is trade. They are our number one trade partners but China felt that we needed to go beyond trade and we needed to deal with issues of crime,” Sotyu said.
One of the key issues that came up for discussion was that of organised crime, while drug and human trafficking also featured in the discussions.
Cooperation with regards to police training and the possibility of exchanging knowledge between the police in both countries, also formed part of the talks, Sotyu added.
The issue of cyber crime also dominated the discussions, with a focus on sharing best practices in dealing with the phenomenon.
Both ministries also committed themselves to strengthening cooperation to combat transnational crimes.
Networks of crime have grown in their reach and sophistication across national boundaries, Sotyu acknowledged, adding the Ministry of Police remained committed to providing China with any assistance in case investigation and handover of criminal suspects.
In addition, the need for enhanced exchange of intelligence and information sharing in combating terrorist activities, drug trafficking, illegal immigration, money laundering, arms smuggling and human trafficking, was also discussed.
Monday’s talks between South Africa and China are part of a broader agreement between the two governments on the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership. – BuaNews
