S. Africa, China agree to dealing with crime syndicates
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The South African government on Monday reached an agreement with China to ensure that the two countries will not be "hide outs" for criminals.
The agreement came following the discussions between South Africa and China which said the two sides will reinforce cooperation on security matters.
"If criminals contemplate committing crime in South Africa with a hope of escaping to China as a hideout and vice versa, they have been strongly warned," South African Deputy Minister of Police Maggie Sotyu said in a statement issued by her ministry soon after her meeting with Zhang Xinfeng, vice minister of the Chinese Ministry of Public Security.
Zhang Xinfeng is on a two-day official visit to South Africa. "Today's engagement forms part of the broader agreement between the government of the Republic of South Africa and the government of the People's Republic of China on the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership. Amongst the various areas of cooperation is the reaffirming the importance of regular dialogue and the exchange of views on matters of common interest in bilateral issues in advancing bilateral relations," Sotyu said in Pretoria.
On Monday Sotyu and Zhang Xinfeng held discussions in Pretoria, South Africa's capital city which was aimed at strengthening cooperation on dealing with crime and crime syndicates between the two countries.
According to the statement, the issue of cyber crime dominated the discussions with a view of sharing best practices in dealing with this scourge, particularly as it has become a new phenomenon that is utilized by criminals.
"Both ministries have committed themselves to strengthening cooperation in combating transnational crimes. To this end, they committed to taking all necessary measures within their territories to ensure the safety of institutions and persons from both countries," Zweli Mnisi, spokesperson at the South African Ministry of Police said in statement.
Mnisi said Sotyu and Zhang Xinfeng affirmed that adequate protection of such rights is fundamental to the well-being, social and economic development of every person, with Sotyu saying that she is cognizant that the networks of crime have grown in their reach and sophistication across national boundaries.
"Thus the Ministry of Police remains committed to providing China with any assistance in case of investigation and hand-over of criminal suspects," Sotyu said.
The two government officials further committed to, in accordance with domestic laws of their respective countries, enhancing exchange of intelligence and information sharing in combating terrorist activities, drug trafficking, illegal immigration, money laundering, arms smuggling and trafficking in persons especially women and children and other transnational crimes.
According to Mnisi, China has cooperated well with South Africa and made great efforts in "combating transnational crimes and maintaining social order, jointly ensuring the security and stability of their respective countries and positively contributing to the development of friendly relationships."
