Strengthening Law Enforcement Cooperation and Collaboration: Minister Bheki Cele’s Policing Visit to China

South African Police Minister, General Bheki Cele, recently concluded a five-day official visit to the People’s Republic of China to enhance practical law enforcement cooperation and collaboration between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and their Chinese counterparts. This visit sets the stage for the upcoming 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg in August 2023.

Ministerial Engagements

Minister Cele led a delegation of senior SAPS officials, including Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, to engage with key safety and security role players in Shenzhen, Beijing, and Shanghai. The visit aimed to establish a formal and rigorous policing exchange program for personnel capabilities and training, as well as to discuss security preparations for the upcoming summit.

Discussions and Agreements

During the visit, Minister Cele and his team met with the Chinese Minister of Public Security, Wang Xiaohong, who hosted the South African delegation on June 8th, 2023. They discussed transnational and environmental crimes, violent crimes in South Africa, technological interventions to combat crime, safety of nationals residing in both countries, and the establishment of a policing exchange program.

Minister Cele expressed optimism about the potential for enhanced law enforcement cooperation between South Africa and China, stating that they are “encouraged by the new avenues being explored to boost South African techniques in law enforcement with our Chinese counterparts.”

The South African delegation also engaged with the management and senior officials from the Chinese Department of Public Safety and the China People’s Public Security University (CPPSU), China’s most elite police academy. SAPS specialized units, such as the National Intervention Unit (NIU) and Special Task Force (STF), received combat and educational training and graduated from the university.

Observations and Positive Precedent

Minister Cele’s delegation visited police stations in Shenzhen, Beijing, and Shanghai, where they observed China’s one-stop service centers for residents. These centers promote transparency and an open-door policy between police and the communities they serve.

Minister Cele’s visit highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing safety and security challenges. The strengthened partnership between South Africa and China sets a positive precedent for collaboration in policing and law enforcement among the member nations as the 15th BRICS Summit approaches.