Hon Deputy Speaker, the ANC-led government views crime as a major challenge, with criminal networks having grown in their reach and sophistication across national boundaries. This includes syndicates that deal with money laundering, human smuggling as well as drug trafficking and abuse.
In addressing this challenge, the Deputy Minister of Police, Fikile Mbalula, met with the People's Republic of China's Vice Minister of Public Safety, Chen Jian, on Friday, 1 August 2010 to sign minutes of talks relating to police operations between the two countries.
These talks mainly focused on intensifying transnational crime combating operations, but also explored lessons China and South Africa could learn from each other's security models as well as the countries' exchange of intelligence information on a range of issues. This includes drug trafficking, illegal immigration, money laundering, arms smuggling and human trafficking.
Through this co-operation we will be able to work closely within the framework of enhanced policing. This will result in providing assistance in case investigations and handing over criminal suspects, subject to the law relating to mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and extradition. [Time expired.]