SAPS to send members to Darfur
Matome Sebelebele
25 January 2005
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is to deploy officers in war-torn Darfur as part of a peacekeeping mission in Sudan, following a request by the Commission of the African Union (AU). Cabinet approved the request last week.
South Africa will deploy a contingent of 100 police officials, in phases, to Darfur.
According to SAPS spokesperson Sally de Beer, the Civilian Police (Civpol) Component of the AU Mission in Sudan will monitor the service delivery of the Sudanese government to the community.
They will also facilitate the building of good relations between the community and the police, give technical advice, and share knowledge on the successful adoption and implementation of community policing.
De Beer said an advance team comprising five members, led by Director Anand Pillay of the Western Cape, would begin establishing Civpol headquarters in Darfur later this month or early next month.
"This will be the first ever
deployment of police from this country on a peacekeeping operation in another country", De Beer said.
"This will obviously stand us in good stead in our ongoing fight against transnational and international organised crime."
The force will be deployed on a six-month rotation basis after completing certain training courses.
"We wish our members well on their ground-breaking mission, and I am sure that they will represent the SAPS and their country with dignity", said National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi.
Source: BuaNews
| 
