Cape town: Acting Police Minister, Professor Firoz Cachalia, has highlighted transnational organised crime as one of the most serious threats to peace, stability, and development across Africa and beyond. Speaking at the 27th African Regional Interpol Conference in Cape Town, Cachalia identified various manifestations of organised crime, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, illicit firearms, cybercrime, wildlife crime, money laundering, and terrorism.
According to South African Government News Agency, Cachalia emphasized that these crimes transcend borders, exploit technological advances, and undermine the security of people and the integrity of states and economies. He noted the evolving nature of criminal activities and the need for adaptive responses due to the use of sophisticated technologies by criminal networks. Dealing with these crimes requires collective efforts and robust strategies implemented at national, regional, continental, and global levels.
Cachalia expressed that the conference aims to generate strategic and pragmatic solutions that can be effectively implemented within countries and frameworks of regional and continental organizations. The goal is to shape a more coordinated African response to transnational organised crime, strengthening border security while protecting citizens’ rights and wellbeing.
South Africa’s participation in the conference aligns with its constitutional values and long-term national vision, which include ensuring safety and security for all individuals. Cachalia stated that regional and global security cooperation is essential for South Africa’s domestic agenda and international solidarity.
National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola, in his address, highlighted the significance of the biennial conference as an opportunity to assess crime threats, strengthen INTERPOL’s core capabilities, and reinforce global policing cooperation. Masemola pointed out that behind every crime statistic lie stories of shattered lives and communities robbed of their peace.
The conference, attended by high-level officials including the President of INTERPOL, Major General Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, and the Secretary General of INTERPOL, Mr Valdecy Urquiza, aims to underscore South Africa’s commitment to regional and international cooperation. It is expected to lead to concrete agreements on strengthening regional responses and serve as a platform for exchanging best practices and deepening law enforcement partnerships.