Pretoria: In a significant address at the opening of the implementation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Integrated Strategy against Transnational Organised Crime (TOC) and its Implementation Plan, Mr. Sello Moerane, the Head of INTERPOL Regional Bureau, underscored the urgency of a collaborative approach in tackling organised crime. The event highlighted the importance of regional and global strategies in combating TOC, with the presence of key figures such as the Honourable Minister of Police and General Fannie Sehlahle Masemola, the head of the South African Police Service.

According to South African Police Service, the SADC strategy, spearheaded by Ms. Gumede from the Directorate of Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Affairs, aims to regionalize efforts against TOC. The strategy includes contributions from the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), Dr. EWI, and the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC). These organizations have played pivotal roles in developing a comprehensive approach to address TOC, drawing from extensive research and analysis.

Mr. Moerane praised South Africa’s efforts in integrating the strategy domestically, avoiding isolated approaches, and instead fostering coalitions of expertise. The strategy encourages the formation of national and regional task forces, comprising interagency and multiskilled agencies, to effectively address TOC. These task forces are expected to contribute to a planned Regional Task Force, which will enhance regional cooperation and understanding of organised crime threats.

The strategy emphasizes the importance of changing the conditions under which organised crime operates and enhancing the capabilities of criminal justice actors. It advocates for a partnership-centered approach, focusing on dismantling illicit markets and improving data consistency across member states.

Mr. Moerane highlighted the challenges posed by transnational organised crime, which thrives on the demand for illicit goods and services and the existence of corrupt governance. He noted the impact of organised crime on resource scarcity, natural resource exploitation, and vulnerable communities, particularly in South Africa, which, as a regional economic hub, faces significant criminal activities.

The address concluded with a call to action for the workshop participants to develop comprehensive responses and preventive measures against TOC. Mr. Moerane emphasized the need for decision-making seniority within the task teams to overcome bureaucratic challenges. He also urged the South African Police Service, through the National Central Bureau in Pretoria, to expand INTERPOL’s policing capabilities and ensure interoperability of databases, particularly at ports of entry.

INTERPOL remains committed to supporting operational matters related to this initiative, aiming for fruitful deliberations and effective implementation of the strategy.