Adolf Kaure
The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) chief Joseph Shikongo says more cooperation between international regulation organisations is needed to combat international organised crime.
He said this during the opening ceremony of the visit by the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) chairperson, Richard Luhanga, on Thursday in Windhoek.
“We stand ready to continue strengthening collaboration, enhance our operational capabilities and uphold the highest standards of professionalism in policing,” he said.
Policing within the Southern African Development Community shares strong commonalities.
This is shaped by the shared history, regional integration and similar security challenges.
“Through SARPCCO, we continue to strengthen these ties and improve our collective effectiveness,” said Shikongo.
He recognised the critical partnerships that enhance SARPCCO’s work, particularly its collaboration with the Interpol Regional Bureau for Southern Africa. He further expressed his gratitude for the contributions of specialised subcommittees, such as the Women’s Network.
“We are deeply grateful for your presence, which underscores the collective commitment of our region to strengthening cooperation in the fight against Transnational Organised Crime (TOC),” Shikongo said.
“His visit comes at a crucial time as SARPCCO continues to intensify its efforts to address evolving security threats that transcend national borders and challenge the safety and stability of our communities,” he stated.
The visit of the SARPCCO chairperson emanated from the SADC Chiefs of Police Sub-Committee (CPSC) meeting held between 5 and 6 June 2025 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The visit will assess progress made in the implementation of the decisions of the SADC structures and Interpol resolutions relating to strengthening efforts to prevent and combat transnational organised crimes.
The objective of SARPCCO is to prevent and combat cross-border crime, promote regional police cooperation, and professionalise law enforcement.
“The evolving nature of crime, particularly across borders, requires unity of purpose and effective coordination among law enforcement agencies,” said Shikongo.
During his address, the SARPCCO chairperson, who is also Inspector General of the Malawi Police Service, Richard Luhanga, commended Namibia’s efforts to combat transnational organised crime.
“While the SADC region remains relatively peaceful and stable, the evolving and complex nature of these crimes continues to pose significant challenges that require sustained and coordinated responses,” said Luhanga.
However, he emphasised that transnational organised crimes like human trafficking, cybercrime, stock theft, drug trafficking and terrorism, motor vehicle theft, firearms trafficking, environmental-related crimes and terrorism need innovative solutions.
He called for strengthened intelligence-sharing mechanisms, investment in modern technology and continuous capacity development through collective efforts from SARPCCO member states.