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Chinese Consulate Strengthens Ties with SAPS Through Vehicle Donation

By Thembi Moyo

In a gesture aimed at bolstering local law enforcement capabilities, the Chinese Consulate General in Johannesburg has donated a vehicle to the Cleveland Police Station.

The handover ceremony took place on January 3, 2025, marking a significant start to the new year for both Chinese-South African relations and local policing efforts.

The ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Brigadier Jones from the sub-district Commander (Representing the Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni in his absence), Chinese Consul-General Pan Qingjiang, and Cleveland Police Station Commander Col. Lekalakala.

Col. Lekalakala expressed his gratitude to the Chinese Consulate General and the Chinese community in the city for their continued support in fighting crime.

“Thanks for being there for us, thanks for being there for our community,” he said.

The South African police has a long-standing partnership with the SA Chinese Community and Police Cooperation Center. The centre is meant to provide help and assistance for any kind of need or emergency for Chinese people anywhere in South Africa.

Also present at the handover ceremony were TJ Masilela, Chairperson of the Gauteng Provincial CPF Board, and Li Xinzhu, Director of the SA Chinese Community and Police Cooperation Center.

During the ceremony, Consul-General Pan emphasized that the donation represents both gratitude for SAPS’s ongoing protection of Chinese citizens and institutions in the area, and a commitment to supporting local law enforcement efforts.

“This donation from us is a gesture showing our respect and gratitude to the SAPS of all levels for your consistent efforts and great contributions,” Pan stated.

The SA Chinese Community and Police Cooperation Center has maintained what officials describe as a “proactive and effective collaboration” with local police forces, recently conducting an annual review of their joint achievements and setting new goals for the coming year.

The Consul-General highlighted the importance of community-police partnerships in maintaining social order and security, noting that such cooperation is crucial not only for individual safety but also for creating an environment conducive to economic development and international trade relations.

The donation aligns with the strengthening diplomatic ties between China and South Africa, which have recently been elevated to what Pan described as “an all-round strategic and cooperative partnership in the new era.”

The Chinese Consulate has pledged to continue providing assistance to South African law enforcement within its capacity, viewing such support as instrumental in fostering stronger bilateral relations between the two nations.

Local law enforcement officials welcomed the donation, seeing it as a practical enhancement to their operational capabilities in the Cleveland area.

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