In countries such as Botswana, Malawi and South Africa, non-governmental and community-based organizations have cooperated with police to improve services to victims of crime, particularly women and children, and to develop effective partnerships with the police to implement crime reduction plans based on careful intelligence and lawful methods.

"Enhancing the security for all living in the SADC region must be built upon good governance, the promotion and protection of human rights for all, without distinction and respect for the rule of law," Amnesty International added.

In order to break the cycle of impunity and to encourage best practice, there must be effective mechanisms for the independent investigation of police abuses. "Few countries of the region have set up effective mechanisms to detect and remedy abuses and Amnesty International is calling on the majority of remaining states to do so urgently," the organization emphasized.

In addition, most of the countries still need to:
repeal or amend laws which facilitate Human Rights abuses, particularly
those which permit excessive use of force or incommunicado detention;

integrate Human Rights training with training in operational skills; and

improve the accessibility and accountability of police services to all
communities, without distinction.