Assessing the effectiveness of Zimbabwe/South Africa relations in combating transnational organised crime (June2015-June2020).

Abstract

This research sought to assess the effectiveness of interstate relations in combating transnational organised crime with particular focus on Zimbabwe-South Africa relations. Despite the existence of multiple bilateral and multilateral relationships within the regional and global community transnational organised crimes have been on the increase. Such networks were expected to boost the effectiveness of interstate relations in uprooting the seeds of this menace from the ground but instead these crimes continued to increase. The study used the triangulation approach; with a case study as a research design and in-depth interviews were conducted to elicit data from law enforcement officers, Interpol staff and other key informants purposively chosen from the study population. The combined theories of realism, liberalism, inter-dependence, social constructivism and regionalism reflected in one way or the other the behavior of Zimbabwe/South Africa in the fight against transnational organised crime. The theories of interdependence and social constructivism were more dominant in the research. Following the discussion and analysis of findings, this research concluded that, the law enforcement agencies did not see Zimbabwe/South Africa relations as good enough in combating transnational organised crime whilst respondents from high offices spoke of sound relations between the two counties. The researcher also noted that those in offices seem not to know what is exactly happening on the ground. The findings show that illegal immigrants, human trafficking and smuggling of goods are the most problematic crimes for law enforcement agencies to deal with. Following the research conclusions, this study recommends that Zimbabwe and South Africa should continue to find common avenues for cementing the cordial relations between the two countries for those operating on the ground as closer inter-state co-operation is essential in preventing transnational organised crime.