Southern African Development Community ARTICLE 16 TRANSIT OF PERSONS IN CUSTODY 1. The Requested State may authorize the transit through its territory of a person held in custody by a Third State whose personal appearance has been requested by the Requesting State to give testimony or evidence or otherwise provide assistance in an investigation, prosecution or proceedings. 2. Where such transit is authorized, the Requested State shall have the authority and the obligation to keep the person in custody during transit in accordance with the laws of the Requested State, and the terms of this Protocol. ARTICLE 17 SEARCH AND SEIZURE 1. The Requested State shall execute a request for the search, seizure, and delivery of property, objects or item to the Requesting State if the request includes the information justifying such action under the laws of the Requested State. 2. Upon request, every official who has custody of a seized item shall certify the continuity of custody, the identity of the item, and the integrity of its condition. 3. The Requested State may require that the Requesting State agrees to the terms and conditions necessary to protect third party interests in the property, objects or item to be transferred. ARTICLE 18 RETURN OF PROPERTY, OBJECTS OR ITEMS The Requested State may require that the Requesting State returns any property, object or items, including documents, records, or articles of evidence furnished to it in execution of a request under this Protocol, as soon as possible. SADC Protocol on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters II