The Chairperson of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) has called for political support from governments across the region to strengthen the fight against transnational organised crime.

Inspector General Richard Luhanga made the call during a courtesy meeting with Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security Minister Lucia Iipumbu in Windhoek.

Luhanga said police chiefs in the SADC region require government backing to respond to crimes that continue to cross national borders, including human trafficking, drug trafficking, cybercrime and terrorism.

He said criminal syndicates are taking advantage of gaps in intelligence sharing and coordination among member states.

During the meeting, Luhanga also called on Namibia to sign and ratify the SADC Protocol Against Trafficking in Persons, saying this would strengthen regional efforts against human trafficking and exploitation.

He acknowledged Namibia’s participation in joint law enforcement operations and regional information sharing, as well as its work on a national strategy to combat transnational organised crime.

Minister Lucia Iipumbu said Namibia remains committed to regional security cooperation through SARPCCO, INTERPOL and AfriPol.

The minister said Namibia continues to focus on border security, anti-trafficking measures, and cybercrime prevention, as well as joint operations with regional partners.

The courtesy visit forms part of SARPCCO’s regional assessment mission currently underway in Namibia.

Emil Xamro Seibeb