Dodgy ticket sales and pitch invaders: 5 arrested at Pirates and Chiefs cup final

While Kaizer Chiefs fans are still celebrating their first trophy in 10 years, it was a bad night for five people arrested at the match on Saturday.

Chiefs beat their Soweto rival Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The build-up to the match had been clouded with security concerns, as fans raced to snap up limited tickets. Others claimed to be heading to Durban and “make a plan” when they got there.

Police and security came out in full force, making sure none of the feared chaos materialised.

However, two suspects were arrested for unauthorised sale of matchday tickets, while two more were nabbed for pitch invasion.

Another suspect was caught flying an unauthorised drone within the perimeters of the stadium.

“Once processed, the suspects will face the wrath of the law,” KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said.

Netshiunda said the capacity of the police was again scrutinised and put to the test at the match.

“The planning team put necessary deployment in place, and the execution of such plans was second to none.”

Instigators not off the hook

Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi applauded police for their work, but said those who had promised to cause trouble would be found.

“Intelligence officers will continue to search for those who were instigating violence so that the law may take its course,” he added.

ALSO READ: KZN police warn those ‘hellbent on creating chaos’ at Soweto derby

Police and security praised

Mkhwanazi also praised officers from various law enforcement agencies who worked from the early hours until late at night to ensure the safety of matchgoers.

“For a major event of the calibre of the Soweto derby to reach its conclusion without any major security concerns is proof enough that police in KwaZulu-Natal, working together with other law enforcement agencies, are up to the task to provide safety and security.

“I would like to show appreciation to football fans who respected law enforcement officers both on the roads and at the stadium.

“Real football lovers ignored a call by rogue elements who wanted to create chaos around the match,” said Mkhwanazi.     

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