SAHOP: Strengthening Regional Cooperation in Southern Africa’s Criminal Justice Systems
Established in the year 2023, the Southern Africa Heads of Prosecution (SAHOP) Forum, was formed with the aim of enhancing regional cooperation among the prosecution agencies in Southern Africa. This forum comprises Directors of Public Prosecutions (DPPs) and Prosecutor Generals from 15 countries in Southern Africa, all united by a common mission: to strengthen criminal justice systems, improve prosecution efficiency, and effectively combat transnational crime. The creation of SAHOP responds to the growing need for a coordinated regional effort in tackling critical issues such as corruption, organised crime, and illicit financial flows, which threaten the stability and development of the region. Since its inception, SAHOP has primarily convened through virtual platforms, allowing its members to engage and collaborate despite geographic distances. This model of virtual meetings has provided a foundation for sharing vital information and exchanging best practices among prosecution