25 Jan 2022

Collaboration between Botswana and South Africa police services has contributed to the relative peace and security prevailing in the two countries.

Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi said this during a meeting with South African Police Service (SAPS) national commissioner and Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) chairperson, General Khehla Sithole yesterday.

He said despite the COVID-19 setback, police services of the two countries continued to collaborate for mutual benefit in terms of effective tackling of emerging crimes affecting them.

This, he said, had led to the arrest of criminals and criminal syndicates operating across the borders of the two nations.

“This has no doubt contributed to the relative peace and security that prevail in our countries,” he said.

Mr Mmusi said the extension of the two countries collaboration beyond their borders had been further demonstrated by participation in peacekeeping and conflict resolution missions in the SADC region and further afield adding that it should be continued.

“As the minister responsible for security matters, I commit to peace building efforts within and across our borders to the benefit of our communities,” he said.

The minister promised to ensure that Botswana observed and subscribed to both regional and international protocols and statutes pertaining to peace, justice and security.

For his part, Gen. Sithole said SARPCCO played a crucial role in supporting the economies of member  countries through policy alignment in order to create a conducive environment for economic growth.

The organisation also supported countries affected by public disturbance through stabilisation and facilitating a return to normal processes.

Another speaker, acting secretary for safety and security, Ms Boikhutso Botlhole stressed the importance of policing saying police presence in any situation gave the public a sense of security.

Emphasising the need to appreciate the police’s role, she said they needed to be resourced in order to effectively deliver.

Ms Botlhole said the SARPCCO chairperson's meeting with Botswana Police Service commissioner showed that there was still room for more collaboration to fight cross border crimes.

Gen. Sithole was accompanied by SAPS and SARPCCO senior officials.ends