Top South African crime fighters met their Chinese colleagues in Pretoria on Friday to share lessons on security models and discuss transnational offences and maintaining social order.

Deputy Police Minister Filkile Mbalula said he and his Beijing counterpart Chen Zhimin would sign minutes of their talks on police cooperation.

The two deputy ministers focussed on mechanisms to consolidate and exchange crime intelligence, and join in fighting drug trafficking, illegal immigration, money laundering, arms smuggling and people trafficking.

Their joint statement said crime is a global challenge, making it crucial for countries to combat it together.

They are convinced their talks will cement cooperation and deal a blow to criminals.

(Edited by Deshnee Subramany)