A security alert by the US Embassy on Wednesday has caused police to beef up security in what is set to be a busy weekend, especially in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

The terror alert by the embassy warned of a potential terror attack in Sandton, Johannesburg where the first Johannesburg Pride since the Covid pandemic is happening today.

In KZN police have yesterday conducted a safety inspection at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban ahead of the arrival of King Misizulu ka Zwelethini and an expected 48 000 VIP guests for the handover of a certificate in recognition of the King today.

Police Minister, General Bheki Cele and the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, received a safety operational plan yesterday.

Cele said there will be a large SAPS presence at the ceremony.

“We have saturated the roads and highways. We have identified highways leading from the north of the province, inland. For the next 24 hours, there will be no sleep,” he said.

In Pretoria, the Lyttelton SAPS said it would increase police visibility around large gatherings this weekend. Police spokesperson Captain Dave Miller asked residents to be cautious this weekend.

“Try to treat it like any other day in South Africa,” said Miller.

“If your gut tells you something is peculiar or untoward, report it. The quicker things are reported, the faster we can respond to situations and assist.”