Chairperson, hon members, ladies and gentlemen, I present to this august House the agreement between the government of the Republic of South Africa and government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China concerning two matters: one, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters; and, two, surrender of fugitive offenders.
As tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, the agreement before the Council seeks to strengthen legal assistance in criminal matters between South Africa and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.
We live in a country where our tourism potential and hosting of sports events mean an influx of people from various countries and cultures. With our growing economy and increasing business ties with the People's Republic of China, our doors are open to a world of possibilities but this also makes us vulnerable to a world full of abuse.
To strengthen the mutual legal assistance between our countries, it has become necessary to enter into this agreement so that South Africa is not used as a safe haven for criminals seeking to escape justice within their own countries.
After reviewing the agreement and the ramifications for South Africa, we wholeheartedly recommend that this Council approve the agreements of mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and the surrendering of fugitive offenders. I would therefore request the House to adopt these agreements.
Debate concluded.
Question put: That the Report on Agreement between RSA and Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of People's Republic of China concerning Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters be adopted.
IN FAVOUR: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, Western Cape.
Report on Agreement between RSA and Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of People's Republic of China concerning Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters accordingly adopted in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
Question put: That the Report on Agreement between RSA and Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of People's Republic of China concerning Surrender of Fugitive Offenders be adopted.
IN FAVOUR: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, Western Cape.
Report on Agreement between RSA and Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of People's Republic of China concerning Surrender of Fugitive Offenders accordingly adopted in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.