Mr. Wambura (In suit) presenting a gift to the DIG Administration, Mr. Happy Mkandawire
Inspector General for Tanzania Police Force who is also the incumbent chairperson for Southern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (SARPCCO), Mr. Camillus Wambura has emphasized the need for cooperation among sister police forces in the region in the fight against transnational organised crime.
Wambura expressed the sentiments on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at Malawi Police Service's National Headquarters in Lilongwe at the onset of his three-day working visit to Malawi as SARPCCO chairperson.
Accompanied by INTERPOL’s specialized officer from Harare, Mr. Simon Musora and other senior officers, Wambura underscored the importance for collective efforts in addressing the growing threat of cross-border crime.
“This milestone reflects Malawi’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation, strengthening collective efforts to enhance peace, security and stability, and advancing the shared goals of our region. I’m confident that during my tenure as chairperson of SARPCCO, we’ll continue to work closely to promote peace and security across the SADC region,” he said commending the excellent performance of MPS's Interpol National Central Bureau Office.
In his remarks during the deliberations, Mr. Happy Mkandawire, Deputy Inspector General of the Malawi Police Service responsible for Administration acknowledged SARPCCO’s significant role in addressing crimes such as human and drug trafficking, cybercrime and terrorism.
He highlighted how criminal networks exploit gaps in communication and urged member states to collaborate more effectively.
“Criminals operating across borders exploit loopholes in communication and coordination but with unity, mutual trust and adherence to resolutions adopted by SARPCCO, we can dismantle these networks and restore safety to our communities,” he said.
He also commended SARPCCO and INTERPOL for their support, which he said has enabled Malawi to establish a crime analysis unit, empower women in leadership and adopt improved communication systems.
“The scope of transnational organized crimes demands a whole-of-society response with sound coordination at national, regional, and intergovernmental levels. Member states must implement the SADC strategy to combat organized crime, including protocols on firearms control and illicit drug trafficking,” he said.
Wambura’s visit to Malawi follows his similar recent engagement with the Zambian Police. It reinforces Malawi’s active role in regional security efforts and highlights SARPCCO’s ongoing focus on combating transnational organized crime through collective action.