Zim Now Writer
Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba recently joined 188 top police officials from across Africa at the International Criminal Police Organisation African Regional Conference, held in Cape Town, South Africa.
The three-day event brought together senior law enforcement leaders from 56 countries to strengthen cooperation in combating transnational organised crime, one of the most pressing security threats facing the continent.
The conference focused on enhancing collaboration, leveraging innovation, and building stronger partnerships to address crimes that cross borders, such as human trafficking, migrant smuggling, environmental crimes, and cattle theft — some of which fund terrorism.
South Africa’s Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, described the meeting as timely, noting that transnational crime threatens peace, stability, and development across Africa.
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“The task before us is daunting, but our shared commitment to cooperation and our collective expertise give us hope. South Africa reaffirms its commitment to INTERPOL’s values and to African and international solidarity,” he said.
South African Police Service National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of unity in addressing shared security concerns.
“We are not just representatives of our countries, but partners with a shared duty to confront the complex and evolving threats of transnational crime. Since crime knows no borders, our response must also be borderless,” said Masemola.
INTERPOL President Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi highlighted the conference theme, “Leveraging cooperation, innovation, and partnerships to fight transnational organised crime,” as a reflection of the participants’ determination to find solutions.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza added that the platform is crucial for sharing expertise, resources, and best practices to make a tangible impact on security in Africa.
The meeting, chaired by INTERPOL Vice President for Africa Mohammed Dkhissi, reinforced the importance of a unified and coordinated approach to safeguarding peace and stability across the continent.
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