National News
Security beefed up for final
2010-07-10 14:24
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Johannesburg - Security has been beefed up to ensure that the final matches of the World Cup are safe, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) said in a statement on Saturday.
Security arrangements have been finalised in the Eastern Cape where a number of prominent guests and scores of fans are expected to attend the match between Uruguay and Germany at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium on Saturday, said Brigadier Sally de Beer.
"The Gauteng security forces and law enforcement agencies, supported by other key role players, are also finalising security arrangements for the closing ceremony and the World Cup final on Sunday," she said. De Beer advised fans who have tickets for the final to make use of park and ride facilities as well as other public transport to ensure that they depart for Soccer City on time.
To avoid trouble, she said those without tickets should not go to the stadium.
"Sufficient SAPS and SANDF members and resources will be in place to ensure the safety of teams, fans and VIP guests expected to attend the closing ceremony and the final," she said.
"Air restrictions above and surrounding both stadiums will be in effect for safety and security reasons, as they have been for the duration of the tournament."
"The security forces wish all four teams playing over the next two days the best of luck and thank all fans for their cooperation during the 62 matches already played," de Beer said.
Meanwhile, National Commissioner of Police, General Bheki Cele is expected to brief on Sunday morning the joint security forces that will be deployed for the closing ceremony and the final match between Spain and the Netherlands.
Media is invited to the briefing which will be held outside the accreditation tent on the north side of the Soccer City Stadium in Nasrec at 09:30.