Top SADC cops told to adapt

SOUTHERN African police chiefs have been challenged to advance their techniques in order to stay ahead of sophisticated criminals and their syndicates.

The challenge was issued by Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa, who was addressing the annual Southern African Region Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation meeting in Pretoria yesterday.

"As we experience technological advances, sadly, criminals had also diversified and improved their tactics. What we have before us is a protracted warfare that has been declared on civilians. It cannot be that crime syndicates remain more sophisticated than law enforcement authorities.

"We need, as a matter of urgency, to begin to enhance our ability to monitor and analyse information related to specific areas of activity and criminal organisations ..."

He also said it was futile to keep arresting "sniffers" of drugs while the big bosses smiled all the way to the bank.

"As we arrest users, we need to actually focus on the kingpins."

Apart from SADC police chiefs, Interpol representatives were also present at the meeting.