Security expected to be beefed up around FNB Stadia for Ed Sheeran concert
JOBURG – Joburgers will be entertained by Grammy Award winner Ed Sheeran this weekend, officials say security will be tight.
The Ed Sheeran music concert happens this weekend at the FNB Stadium and if you don’t have a ticket, just forget it because security will be tight.
This according to event organisers briefing the media on 19 March in Nasrec ahead of the two-day concert starting on 23 to 24 March.
The South African police, Metro police and the organisers briefed the media on their state of readiness.
Organisers warned ‘chancers’ about coming to the festivity without tickets.
This comes a few months after the hosting of the Global Citizens Festival which was marred by violent crimes that left media platforms abuzz with users expressing dissatisfaction about the level of crime at the venue.
With Ed Sheeran’s concert this weekend, over 1 500 police officers will be deployed including Metro police and other private professional security guards.
Justin van Wyk, CEO of Big Concert, said anyone without a ticket within the precinct of the stadium is eligible for arrest.
“The precinct will be guarded by the police, JMPD and other top security officers all around the precinct stretching as far as to the nearest Sasol garage,” Van Wyk warned.
“If you don’t have a ticket, don’t think you’re clever and want to ‘skip the box’ by coming early and try to take your chance at the venue.”
Captain Lorraine van Emmerit from the Gauteng Provincial Police Service said they will deploy more than 100 officers to ensure the safety of the patrons. “We will also assist with the registrations of criminal cases on-site.”
Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar, spokesperson for Joburg Metro police said the problem at the Global Citizens Concert was at the Sasol garage but warned that this time criminals have no chance. “This time we will deploy officers from specialised units…they will be armed with rifles.”
Stadium management managing director Bertie Grobbelaar has also urged Uber drivers to adhere to public road rules “We urge Uber drivers to use dedicated lanes when they pick up their riders or if found to be not, will be arrested.”
Details: dion@tpwagency.co.za
Do you think our police have the competency to manage big concert crowds?
