SARPCCO Chairperson Pays Courtesy Call on Minister Mmusi

The Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Honourable Thomas Kagiso Mmusi acknowledged bilateral ties between Botswana and South Africa as demonstrated by standing collaboration across various sectors of the economy, including public security.

Minister Mmusi made these remarks in Gaborone yesterday (25/01/2022), during a courtesy call by the Chairperson of Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) General John Khehla Sitole who is also the National Commissioner of South African Police Service (SAPS).

Honourable Mmusi said that Botswana Police Service (BPS) and SAPS continue to enjoy collaboration to their mutual benefit in terms of effectively tackling emerging transnational organised crimes. He further stated that crimes have the potential of affecting the economy of the two countries. The minister added that the cracking down of criminal syndicates operating across the borders is critical in ensuring peace and security in the region.

Mr Mmusi also noted with appreciation a robust security collaboration beyond the borders of the two countries as exhibited by the active participation in peacekeeping and conflict resolution missions in the SADC region and beyond.
“As the Minister responsible for security matters, I commit to peacebuilding efforts within and across our borders to the benefit of our country,” he said.
For his part, General Sitole lauded the cordial relationship that exists between BPS and SAPS in terms of providing safety and security in the region. The Chairperson said transnational organised crime continues to threaten regional peace and security. He therefore called on SARPCCO member states to intensify their crime reduction strategies in order to have a safe region that would be a benchmark model in policing circles.

In his introductory remarks, the Commissioner of Botswana Police Service, Mr Keabetswe Makgophe appreciated the unwavering support he continues to receive from SAPS. He said BPS made several breakthroughs in arresting criminals of various offences through the interventions of SAPS and INTERPOL, something that they should be commended for.