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If criminals contemplate committing crime in South Africa with a hope of escaping to China as a hideout and vice versa, they have been strongly warned. This undertaking follows discussions between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China which will reinforce cooperation on security matters between the two countries.
The Deputy Minister of Police, Ms Maggie Sotyu and her counterpart, Vice Minister of Public Security, Mr. Zhang Xinfeng held discussions at Sheraton Hotel, Pretoria this morning aimed at strengthening cooperation on dealing with crime and crime syndicates between the two countries. Mr. Xinfeng is on a two-day official visit to South Africa.

The issue of cyber crime dominated the discussions with a view of sharing best practices in dealing with this scourge, particularly as it has become a new phenomenon that is utilized by criminals. Both ministries have committed themselves to strengthening cooperation in combating transnational crimes. To this end, they committed to taking all necessary measures within their territories to ensure the safety of institutions and persons from both countries.

They both affirmed that adequate protection of such rights is fundamental to the well-being, social and economic development of every person. Deputy Minister Sotyu said she is cognizant that the networks of crime have grown in their reach and sophistication across national boundaries; thus the Ministry of Police remains committed to providing China with any assistance in case investigation and handover of criminal suspects.

They further committed to, in accordance with domestic laws of their respective countries, enhance exchange of intelligence and information sharing in combating terrorist activities, drug trafficking, illegal immigration, money laundering, arms smuggling and trafficking in persons especially women and children and other transnational crimes.

In recent years the Ministry of Police and the Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China have cooperated well and made great efforts in combating transnational crimes and maintaining social order, jointly ensuring the security and stability of their respective countries and positively contributing to the development of friendly relationships.

Today’s engagement forms part of the broader agreement between the government of the Republic of South Africa and the government of the People’s Republic of China on the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership. Amongst the various areas of cooperation is the reaffirming the importance of regular dialogue and the exchange of views on matters of common interest in bilateral issues in advancing bilateral relations.