SAPS hold crime prevention session

A five-day strategic session to develop a comprehensive plan to prevent and fight transnational organised crime is underway.

In attendance: The advisor of the minister of police, Advocate Vusi Pikoli, the commissioner of the Board Management Authority, Dr Michael Masiapato, the national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya and the deputy national commissioners of policing, Lieutenant General Tabello Mosikili and Crime Detection’s Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya.

The meeting started on March 3 and ends on March 7. It brought together key stakeholders and security experts to ensure the dismantling of organised criminal networks in drug trafficking, cybercrime, and car theft.

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola emphasised the importance of resources, technology and collaboration. Stakeholders were encouraged to fight against transnational organised crime in the Southern African Development Community.

He then highlighted the recent arrests in the region by the SAPS, including more than 20 drug traffickers at the OR Tambo International Airport in the last six months and the millions in drugs across the country.

“We must emerge from this session with a solid plan that will see us strengthen border control measures and intelligence sharing, deploy advanced technology to prevent and combat transnational organised crime and enhance collaboration with regional and international law enforcement agencies,” said Masemola.

The SAPS aims to strengthen border security, improve its security systems and gain the trust of local communities.