In pursuance of the goal of regional integration in the areas of social welfare peace and security, SADC extends to Member States the widest possible mutual legal assistance within the limits of the laws of their respective jurisdictions.
To afford this mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, SADC has adopted common rules with regard to assistance in criminal matters. In signing the Protocol, Member states have agreed assist each other in respect of on investigations, prosecutions, proceedings in a criminal matter without regarding whether the act committed would be a criminal matter or not in the State being requested for assistance.
The protocol provides guidance on how such assistance will be given, the authorities responsible and grounds on which such assistance can be denied.
