The Minister of Police, Mr Nathi Mthethwa and the High Commissioner of Cyprus, Mr Argyros Antoniou today signed a significant agreement on police cooperation between South Africa and Cyprus.
Amongst the areas of cooperation will be around preventing, detecting and investigating crime; including, corruption and organised crime. There will also be an exchange of information on working experiences in respect of police, information of interest relating to crimes which are being planned or have been committed to persons and organisations involved in these crimes.
Minister Mthethwa expressed his gratitude following this cooperation.
"Crime is a global phenomenon as such requires us to work with our counterparts globally to ensure we curb this scourge. Issues around transnational crime can only be dealt with effectively, if governments that are tasked with ensuring safety of citizens not only develop effective crime strategies, but also cooperate with each other."
The minister pointed out that today's agreement represents a new progressive chapter in enhancing safety and security for both countries.
"As the police leadership in South Africa, we remain steadfast in dealing a deadly blow to crime, in whatever form it manifests itself.
We do this taking into cognisance that at times criminals get displaced to other countries. It therefore becomes imperative that we sustain and strengthen our cooperation with international role players," added the minister.
High Commissioner Antoniou said this agreement is attributed to the hard work and efforts of both countries' police departments.
"This agreement is a confirmation that the close and friendly existing relations that our two countries share, are growing from strength to strength. This represents the beginning of future bilateral relations.
"I believe police cooperation is very essential in the world we live in and is a tool in combating terrorism and international crime. The sharing of information and practices adds value to both parties and results in greater awareness and enrichment to our departments," he added.|
The agreement will also enhance cooperation on trafficking in firearms, ammunition, explosives and poisonous substances, including radioactive materials, trafficking in stolen goods, trafficking in persons, economic crimes, including money laundering as well as the production and sale of forged banknotes, securities and other fraudulent documents.
The exchange of information on working experience in respect of police and criminal sciences and will also include personnel training courses as well as victim support programmes.
Both the Ministry of Police in South Africa and the Republic of Cyprus' Ministry of Justice and Public Order further undertake to cooperate in the illicit production of and traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, including those materials which are used in their production.
Enquiries:
Zweli Mnisi
Cell: 082 045 4024
Elena Christoforou (Consular Officer, Cyprus High Commission)
Cell: 082 925 5751
Source: South African Police Service
South Africa and Cyprus sign agreement on police cooperation
