By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is hosting the 27th International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) African regional conference in Cape Town on Wednesday under the leadership of Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia.
Cachalia is joined by deputy ministers, Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale along with SAPS National Commissioner Fannie Masemola and various Interpol police chiefs.
The regional conference is held under the theme, “Our shared determination to find solutions together.”
Delivering his opening address, Cachalia stressed that tackling organised crime was not only a security issue, but also a development priority.
“Transnational organised crime remains one of the most serious threats to peace, stability, and development across Africa and beyond,” Cachalia said.
“Its manifestations are diverse: drug trafficking, human trafficking, illicit firearms, cybercrime, wildlife crime, money laundering, and terrorism. These crimes transcend borders, exploit technological advances, and undermine the security of our people and the integrity of our states.”
He linked South Africa’s participation in Interpol with its constitutional mandate to ensure safety and security.
He drew attention to the country’s Medium-Term Development Plan 2024-2029, which prioritises building a capable, ethical, and developmental state with safe communities at its core.
He also underscored the economic cost of crime, citing the Africa Initiative report, which found the continent loses between $50 and $80 billion annually in illicit financial flows.
“Data sharing and law enforcement liaisons across the continent can be one measure to curb illicit flows, along with integrated operations by various law enforcement agencies, “he said.
Cachalia announced that the conference would establish an Interpol African Committee to strengthen structured cooperation initiatives. “We must seize this moment to institutionalise cooperation that is durable, sustainable, and responsive to the realities of our continent,” he urged.
Interpol President Major General Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi praised South Africa for hosting and reaffirmed Africa’s central role in global policing.
“The African Regional Conference is not just a bi-yearly gathering. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of partnership that defines Interpol’s work on the continent,” Al-Raisi said.
He pointed to operational successes over the past year, including 987 victims rescued, 651 illegal migrants identified, 2,322 criminals arrested, and seizures of 30,000 kilograms of cocaine and millions of doses of illicit pharmaceuticals.
Watch Live in the video below:
Video Courtesy of SAPS.