Mozambicans ask for crime information to
assist in crime prevention
Media Statement
30 May 2011
The Mozambican Consul to Mpumalanga
and Limpopo Artur Verissimo has asked
the South African authorities for the
crime information involving his fellow
citizens in an effort to strengthen the
relations between the two countries.
While discussing the plight of the
Mozambican nationals living in South
Africa with Mpumalanga Department of
Safety, Security and Liaison last
Friday, Consular Verissimo told the
department that South Africa had an
obligation to assist his office in order
to help his fellow citizens abroad.
He said it was disturbing for his office
to learn from newspapers about
Mozambicans involved in crime without
getting the information from the
authorities.
He therefore requested the South African
Police Service in Mpumalanga to help
them with information of wanted and
arrested Mozambican criminals so that
their mission would be effective to
their government.
“Such information will help even our
police in Mozambique. As a mission, we
only see benefits from sharing such kind
of information instead of harming the
good bi-lateral relations between our
provinces.
“We have to find ways of working
together even at our borders instead of
pointing fingers at each other. When our
people commit crime in Mpumalanga and
run back to Mozambique, our police at
home would ensure that they bring them
to justice,” said Consular Verissimo.
Mpumalanga Department for Safety,
Security and Liaison and SAPS said such
information would easily be available
from the Department of International
Relations and Cooperation.
Chairing the meeting, the Head of the
Department of Safety, Security and
Liaison Thulani Sibuyi said both
delegations needed to be careful not to
compromise “sensitive security”
information as this could lead to law
enforcement agencies frustrated in doing
their work.
”Surely it will be good to know as to
how many people from Mozambique are the
victims of crime and whether they are
receiving necessary treatment from our
law enforcement agencies.
“It is not only the Geneva Protocol that
promotes the relations between our
country and Mozambique, our countries
have bi-lateral relations, memoranda of
understanding signed by our heads of
states for working together socially,
politically and economically.
“As a government, we condemn and fight
crime to the best of our ability. It
does not matter whether crime was
committed by a Mozambican or a South
African, any violation must be dealt
with accordingly,” said HOD Sibuyi.
The meeting further discussed poaching
which was described as a “national
crisis” in South Africa since Mpumalanga
province contributed greatly to this
crime.
Acting Mpumalanga SAPS Commissioner
Major-General Thulani Phahla urged the
diplomatic mission to sensationalize
their people in Mozambique to stop
poaching in the Kruger National Park as
many people were arrested while others
died during the shoot-out with the SANDF
which protected South African borders.
“Poaching in our country is no longer a
Mpumalanga crisis but a national one. We
urge you to educate the people on the
ground because all arrests we make
involve people from Mozambique.
“These people carry huge and
sophisticated firearms and in most cases
they end up being arrested or shot dead.
In a long run, this will affect the
relations between our countries,” said
Phahla.
Friday’s meeting was a follow-up after
Verissimo told MEC Vusi Shongwe in April
about the need for frank and open
discussions on alleged crimes committed
against Mozambicans residing in South
Africa.
He had alleged that the provincial law
authorities lacked interest in
investigating crimes and prosecuting
suspects in cases of violence against
the Mozambicans.
He had further alleged that SAPS members
were involved in crimes against his
fellow citizens by harassing and
demanding bribes.
He mentioned serious crimes including
violence against women and children.
Ends
Issued by Mpumalanga Department of
Safety, Security and Liaison
Enquiries: Joseph Mabuza
(013) 766 – 4055
082 678 1450
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