R15m French boost for SA police
Proffesor Ndawonde
10 March 2009
South Africa's Department of Safety and Security has signed an agreement with the French Embassy to strengthen the country's capacity in the fight against transnational organised crime and terrorism.
The Priority Solidarity Funds Agreement will reinforce the South African Police Service's capacity to respond to terrorist threats and tackle international criminal networks.
Fighting transnational crime
Speaking at the signing of the agreement in Pretoria on Monday, Safety and Security Minister Nathi Mthethwa said the agreement was informed by the understanding that countries could no longer afford to function in isolation in what has essentially become a connected global village.
"The very nature of this global community makes it all the more easier for criminals to exploit lack of integration and cooperation in global initiatives," Mthethwa said.
Mthethwa said the sharing of experiences, information, skills and knowledge was critical in the effort to defeat crime.
Specialised training
Fench training of South African Police Service (SAPS) members in specialised fields, procurement of specialised technical equipment, as well as the sharing of expertise in the field of tracking had all strengthened the country's fight against crime, he said.
French Ambassador to South Africa Denis Pietton said the three-year cooperation agreement would encompass a financial commitment of more than R15-million to the SAPS.
He added that the agreement would focus on the reinforcement of South Africa's borders and at the enhancement of specialised detective and investigative departments as well as continued development of forensics.
Source: BuaNews
