Police keep fans safe at Nedbank Cup final

At least five people have been arrested for different infringements during safety operations at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban where the Nedbank Cup final between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates was held on Saturday.

Leading up to the match, security concerns were raised after reports that some fans without tickets would attempt to storm the stadium.

“The planning team put the necessary deployments in place, and the execution of such plans was second to none. On the day of the match, five suspects were arrested for different infringements of the law. 

“Two suspects were arrested for unauthorised sale of matchday tickets; two more suspects were arrested for pitch invasion, which is in contravention of the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act (Act No. 2 of 2010), and one suspect was nabbed for an authorised flying of a drone within the perimeters of the stadium. Once processed, the suspects will face the wrath of the law,” police said in a statement.

Praised efforts

KZN Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, praised efforts to keep fans safe at the venue.

“The province of KwaZulu-Natal is capable of safeguarding residents, visitors and tourists. 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 of providing 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. Intelligence officers will continue to search for those who were instigating violence so that the law may take its cause”, Mkhwanazi said.

Kaizer Chiefs won the match 2-1.

Did you attend Saturday’s Nedbank Cup final?

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