Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2014-10-11

It’s all systems go for the 35th annual Crime Stoppers International (CSI) conference which is to be hosted by Crime Line and the South African Police Service (SAPS)  beginning Sunday.

The conference, which will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 12 to 15 October, will attract hundreds of local and foreign delegates.

It’s being hosted for the first time on the African continent.

National Police Commissioner, General Riah Phiyega, said it was important to bring “the various partners in the fight against crime together and to strengthen the partnerships at all levels.”

Speaking to Radio Islam, Head of Crime Line and chairman of the conference organising committee, Yusuf Abramjee, said registrations are still open and he appealed to “anyone who wanted to create a safer South Africa and a safer world to join the global movement and register for the conference.”

“It goes without saying that crime is a national scourge, it concerns each and every citizen and no one can say they are immune to crime and three years ago we pitched to host this particular conference in South Africa, we were successful and had the full support of government and the South African Police Service.”

The conference will see some 60 top local and foreign speakers cover a variety of topics.

These include World Trafficking; Crimes Against Economies; Environmental Crimes; Corruption; Associated Crimes and Skills Development.

“We are bring together civilians, law enforcement, business and all the stakeholders from around the world over the three days, not only to network, educate or talk, but to make sure we take the fight against crime to the next level,” said Abramjee.

“We appreciate the support for Crime Line and Crime Stoppers which Radio Islam has given us over the many many years, may Allah reward you for your efforts as well,” Abramjee added.

National Police Minister, Nkosinathi Nhleko and General Phiyega will officially open the conference together with the President of CSI, Alex MacDonald, from Bermuda.

The Regional Head of Interpol, Dr Chilika Simfukwe will join Dr Diana Buttu from Canada who is an international peace activist and Dr Gilbert Lawrence, HOD for the Western Cape Department of Community Safety as speakers at the opening ceremony.

(Twitter: @Faizie143)