National Police Commissioner, General Riah Phiyega, says all security precautions and plans have been developed to ensure that the forthcoming orange Africa Cup of Nations 2013 soccer spectacular remains free of crime.
Massive security and police operations will be carried out during the tournament. Security for the event will be co-ordinated across government departments. The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security clusters will collaborate in trying to mirror the success of the 2010 Soccer World Cup. It is a concept that worked in 2010 and now it’ll be implemented albeit at a reduced scale.
“We have thousands of personnel from dozens of departments actively on duty throughout five provinces, all eagerly awaiting the opening match,” says Phiyega. She was addressing the media in Pretoria and commended the Joint Operational and Intelligence structure (NATJOINT), for a job well done so far in preventing crime at major sports events in the country.
Authorities also say they are aware of intentions by some in the taxi industry to disrupt the tournament as they were not included in planning processes.
Daily briefings will be held to discuss security aspects of the tournament.
Lieutenant General Elias Mawela says, “The intelligence community briefed us about the intention of the taxi industry to disrupt. We know very well that once they say they will disrupt they will disrupt, we do not take anything for granted. It will form part of our route security.”
Daily briefings will be held to discuss security aspects of the tournament.
Phiyega also wished Bafana-Bafana well in their campaign to reclaim the continent cup. “They are carrying our pride. They are carrying our image as a country. And for that I would like to wish them well on behalf of all the role players. And I would like to wish them God’s speed in delivering whatever they are delivering. And to our Ambassadors Bafana- Bafana, I would like to say here today, may they have the opportunity that’s now presenting for them to lift the trophy and make us proud. Viva Bafana-Bafana Viva.”
Kick-off is on Saturday at the National Stadium in Johannesburg.
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