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The police warned that inciting violence or planning disruptions is a criminal offence.
Members of the South African Police Service (Saps) at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 28 October 2022. Picture: Gallo Images/Darren Stewart
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police say they are intensifying efforts to identify individuals attempting to incite unrest ahead of the highly anticipated Soweto Derby in Durban this Saturday.
Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are set to face off in the Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
While the match is a sold-out affair, it has been overshadowed by issues with the ticketing system that led to an overselling of tickets.
As a result, more than 10 000 fans were refunded, sparking frustration among supporters.
Reports have since emerged of fans threatening to force their way into the stadium, which officially holds around 55 000 spectators.
Addressing the media on Friday, KZN Deputy Police Commissioner Phumelele Makoba acknowledged concerns regarding the venue, particularly due to ongoing construction in and around the stadium.
These were later addressed after construction authorities confirmed that the stadium is safe and fully prepared to accommodate fans in line with the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act.
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“All certification, including the most important one, the grading vertificate confirming the safety of the stadium and its readiness to cater for 51 000 capacity crowd, our fears were allayed,” Makoba told reporters.
She also addressed the ticketing debacle.
“Ours as the police was to ascertain if there was any oversale of tickets because we were never prepared to plan for a stampede,” the provincial deputy commissioner remarked.
Makoba indicated that the police are aware of “inflammatory messages” circulating on social media, including attempts to recruit others for protest actions near the stadium and threats to breach stadium security.
She issued a stern warning to those inciting violence or planning disruptions, stating that such actions were a criminal offence.
“We do not take any threat lightly. Our intelligence officers are at work, identifying those individuals who are hellbent on creating chaos on the day of the match,” Makoba said, adding that “no lawlessness will be tolerated”.
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“Those who have threatened to block certain roads are advised to reconsider that idea because closing of roads is a criminal offence and police will act accordingly.”
Makoba said police operations have been significantly ramped up, including aerial surveillance to help identify any problem areas.
She added that the precinct around the stadium is a red zone and “no one without a valid matchday ticket must come closer to the stadium”.
Makoba further said that the police will be strictly monitoring ticket sales to maintain order.
Additionally, any person found selling tickets, whether fake or authentic, will be arrested and locked up.
She also cautioned fans not to bring prohibited items to the venue.
“Football lovers must make sure that they do not bring prohibited items like firearms, knives, bottles and all dangerous weapons. Possession of dangerous weapons is a criminal offence.”
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For those unable to attend the match, alternative arrangements have been made.
Makoba confirmed that the eThekwini Municipality will provide public viewing areas, such Albert Park, for fans to watch Saturday’s game.
“We urge those who could not get the tickets to make use of those facilities,” she said.
Fans with valid tickets were encouraged to use the park-and-ride system to reduce congestion.
Moreover, the provincial deputy commissioner indicated that routes that were initially set for partial closure will now be fully closed to enhance security in and around the stadium, with measures in place to minimise traffic congestion.
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