Issued by Ministry for Safety and Security
14 August 2000
The Minister for Safety and Security, Mr Steve Tshwete, handed five Casspir personnel carriers to his Mozambican counterpart, the Minister of Interior, Mr Almerino Manhenje, in Maputo today.
The donation to the Mozambican Police follows the good relationship that exists between the two police services. This co-operative relationship has led to a number of successful joint operations.
These operations have recently resulted in the arrest of a number of drug lords as well as the closure of a mandrax factory in Maputo. Other successes included the recovery and destruction of thousands of AK 47 assault rifles, other firearms, more than 35-million rounds of ammunition and various other weaponry.
The four-wheel drive Casspirs will go a long way in assisting the Mozambican Police in carrying out their duties in areas where vehicles of this nature are needed.
The donation is a concrete expression of the law enforcement co-operation agreements that exist between member states of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Co-operation Organisation (SARPCCO).
Minister Tshwete said that this was jet another demonstration on the part of the two countries and the two police services' to work together in the fight against crime. Minister Manhenje express his gratitude to Minister Tshwete for the Casspirs and said that this further improve the already good relations that exists between the two countries.
Enquiries: Andre Martin, 082 809 5265