France gives SAPS R10m
2004-11-23 17:34
Pretoria - The French government has pledged R10m to help the SA Police Service fight transnational organised crime and terrorism, it was announced in Pretoria on Tuesday.
Speaking at the conclusion of a joint co-operation programme, French ambassador Jean Felix-Paganon said the French government had indicated that it would support a second three-year programme.
The conclusion of the first programme that started in 2001, was marked by the handing over of a booklet - Practical Guide to Precursor Control in Southern Africa, which was written from experiences acquired over three years.
The programme, costing R3.7m, focused on improving domestic crime fighting skills.
The forensic laboratory, bomb squad and the special task force were a few of the units which directly benefited from the French co-operation.
Commissioner Piet du Toit said as a result of French money, the SAPS had one of the most advanced forensic laboratories in the world that had already proved its worth with the Boeremag investigation.
- SAPA