FBI to help SA fight crime

The American Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is to assist South Africa in fighting crime, the US Ambassador to South Africa, Eric Bost, has confirmed.

This comes after an ANC delegation - including ANC president in waitng Jacob Zuma, visited the US at the invitation of the American government at the end of October.

During the week-long trip, Zuma met with US government officials and other organisations. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen ties and discuss areas of further co-operation. Zuma also spoke at the Council of Foreign Relations in Washington DC.

One of those meetings was with the FBI, to discuss what assistance it can give to support South Africa's efforts to address crime.

Bost outlined how crime is a threat to the country. Not only is it unpleasant, but it also compromises investment and tourism, especially ahead of 2010, he said.

Bost also recounted how he had met with former safety and security minister Charles Nqakula over two years ago, and had offered the US government's support in fighting crime. "I told him crime was a real challenge for South Africa, why don't you tell me what you need, it won't cost you anything."

Bost said he had offered training and other assistance, but had never received an answer.

"But our meeting with the FBI went very well, and we are now well on our way to provide support. We've wasted two-and-a-half years, so we want to work on this."

The FBI has already assisted in training South African police on how to handle terrorism financing and money laundering ahead of the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

Bost also said that the US sees South Africa as an important strategic partner, and it is important to strengthen the relationship with South Africa, adding that Zuma also sees this as an important strategic relationship.