SADC Police Chief Calls for Collaboration to Fight Transnational Crime

Zambia’s Inspector General of Police, Graphel Musamba, who currently chairs the Southern Africa Regional Police Chiefs Co-operation Organisation (SARPCCO), emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in tackling crime at a meeting in Livingstone on May 14th, 2024.

Musamba stressed information sharing and collaboration as key tools for dismantling transnational criminal networks. 

He urged member states to prioritize methods for identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting criminals while upholding human rights and the rule of law.

The three-day SARPCCO Technical Organs Meeting brought together regional police leaders to discuss best practices, share experiences, and set the direction for future initiatives in areas like legal matters, training, and women’s inclusion within police forces.

Mwala Yuyi, Zambia’s Commissioner of Police for Criminal Investigation and current Chairperson of the SARPCCO Technical Organs Meeting, highlighted the importance of these gatherings in fostering regional security.

Thanyani Gumede, a senior police officer with SARPCCO-SADC, raised concerns about the growing threat of transnational organized crime. 

She urged member states to invest in advanced technology for crime investigation to effectively counter these sophisticated criminals.

The meeting also featured a presentation by Sello Moerane, Head of the Interpol Regional Bureau in Harare, who provided an update on SARPCCO activities undertaken since June 2023. 

Moerane encouraged member states to utilize the resources and databases offered by Interpol to combat international crime.