Pretoria – The Secretary General of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) Dr. Jurgen Stock on Wednesday handed over INTERPOL mobile devices to Interpol SA to enhance the South African Police Service (SAPS) policing capabilities.
The Secretary General is on a two-day working visit in South Africa to strengthen and enhance police cooperation and to discuss technological tools and capabilities that could benefit South Africa in the fight against transnational organised crime.
Handing over INTERPOL mobile devices to SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, Dr. Stock remarked that South Africa was one of the leaders in international police cooperation, sharing more records through INTERPOL databases than any other country in Africa.
INTERPOL, which offers a range of technical and operational support, has 196 member countries that can share and access data on crimes and criminals.
“I am particularly pleased that South Africa as an INTERPOL member country is partnering with us as we deploy the INTERPOL Mobile Device,” said Dr. Stock.
“This device allows police officers to access the world’s most comprehensive police holdings anytime, anywhere – including where no network is available.
“Officers can use the Mobile Device to verify whether someone is entering the country using a stolen passport, or whether a vehicle has been reported stolen somewhere else in the world.”
He added that every search of INTERPOL’s 19 databases was a potential break in a case.
“Our goal is that these devices help South African officers make more connections in cross-border investigations, identify more fugitives, and prevent more criminals from crossing borders undetected,” said Dr. Stock.
“This deployment of mobile devices is another example of South Africa’s commitment to international police cooperation and making the world a safer place.”
General Masemola also spoke about SAPS capabilities and major strides in dismantling international syndicates operating in the country.
“In the past week alone, a R2 billion clandestine drug lab was shut down and five suspects were arrested including two Mexican nationals,” said General Masemola.
“R252 worth of cocaine has been seized in Stillbaai and a Russian national is amongst those arrested.
“Through Operation Shanela, the SAPS arrested 21 161 criminals for dealing in drugs while 64 351 were arrested for being in possession of drugs.”
General Masemola said the mobile devices will give SAPS greater reach and access to global data on criminals and criminal activities.
“We remain committed as South Africa to play our part on the global stage to combat all elements of criminality as crime knows no borders through the help and structures of INTERPOL,” said General Masemola.
“We will as an INTERPOL member country continue to engage and full use of INTERPOL tools and services to enhance our crime-combatting strategies for the benefit of the people of South Africa, the region, and the continent… to make the world a safer place.”
