Moz and SA hold talks on criminal activities

THE Mozambican consul in Mpumalanga and Limpopo, Artur Verissimo, has asked the South African authorities to supply his office with information relating to criminal activities by Mozambicans.

This, he said at a meeting yesterday with Mpumalanga safety and security MEC Vusi Shongwe, would strengthen relations between the countries.

Verissimo said South Africa had an obligation to assist his office to help his fellow citizens abroad.

He said it was disturbing to get information from the media about Mozambicans involved in crime and not from the authorities.

The police, he said, should give them information about wanted as well as arrested suspects.

"This will help our police. As a mission, we only see benefits from sharing such information instead of harming good bi-lateral relations.

"We have to find ways of working together even at our borders instead of pointing fingers at each other. When our people commit crime and run back to Mozambique, our police would ensure that they bring them to justice"

Poaching in the Kruger National Park was also discussed .

Major-General Thulani Phahla urged the diplomatic mission to sensitise its nationals against poaching .

"Poaching in our country is no longer a Mpumalanga crisis but a national one and we urge you to educate the people on the ground because all arrests we make involve people from Mozambique."

Verissimo had called for frank and open discussions on alleged crimes committed against Mozambicans residing in South Africa.

He said law enforcement lacked interest in investigating crimes and prosecuting suspects in cases of violence against Mozambicans.