‘Explosives at Loftus Versveld Stadium a hoax’
CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe and FIFA president Gianni Infantino were in attendance at Loftus Versfeld Stadium for the African Football League final.
Police have debunked reports of an explosive device at Loftus Versveld Stadium on Sunday.
Video footage spread on Sunday claiming that nabbed a man planting the explosive devices at the stadium during a Mamelodi Sundowns vs Wydad Casablanca game.
CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe and FIFA president Gianni Infantino were at the stadium.
🎥 President @CyrilRamaphosa receives courtesy call from FIFA President Giovanni Infantino at Mahlamba Ndlopfu official residence in Tshwane.
The President was joined by @SportArtsCultur Minister @zizikodwa and President Infantino was joined by CAF President Patrice Motsepe. pic.twitter.com/ltGfhz0F3Z
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) November 12, 2023
FIFA President Mr Gianni Infantino has paid a courtesy to President @CyrilRamaphosa ahead of the @CAF_Online African Football League Final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Wyadad Casablanca. All the best @Masandawana! 🇿🇦 #AFL pic.twitter.com/3k2u9qUMYv
— Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture (@zizikodwa) November 12, 2023
In the viral footage, police can be seen escorting a man in possession of a device away from the stands.
The device showed visible wiring, which left the crowd at the stadium worried.
The company that employed the man, Starburst Pyrotechnics, said in a statement: “It has come to our attention that a spectator, who attended the African Football League finals match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Casablanca at Loftus Stadium, has posted some fake news.
“Starburst Pyrotechnics, a professional pyrotechnics and fireworks display company, was appointed by the management of the league to shoot pyrotechnics and confetti for the winner.”
It said it had obtained all permits and notified police of its mandate.
“The authorities were notified and they explained to the individual but unfortunately, even after this fact, he has not removed the post from his social account.”
The company said it was unfortunate that individuals were posting material that could cause harm without applying common sense.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe reminded the public that making a hoax bomb threat was a criminal offence.
“The person in the video is a service provider contracted to supply and display pyrotechnics (fireworks) for a display at the end of the game.”
She said the man was accompanied by police as he set up.
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