National News
World Cup hooligan risk low
2010-06-08 22:17
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Pretoria - South Africa's Advanced Passenger Processing (APP) system will eliminate the risk of soccer hooligans entering the country during the World Cup, home affairs director general Mkuseli Apleni said on Tuesday.
"The system will eliminate the risk to zero," Apleni told a media briefing in Pretoria.
This follows a joint effort between the department and police to foil an attempt by 10 known Argentinian hooligans to possibly disrupt the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
"For me to stand here and say there would be no hooligans, I would be lying (but) when the hooligans come into our country they will be blocked," he said.
The advance warning of the group's arrival was an example of the effectiveness of the APP system.
"This move sends out a strong signal that government will not tolerate the presence of soccer hooligans and other undesirable elements in our country," said Apleni.
The "Barra Bravas" were prevented from entering the country on Sunday after they were flagged by one of the airlines signed up to the APP.
25 % more customs officers
Apleni said between May 1 and June 5 approximately 2.5 million passengers had been processed through the APP system.
"During the same period more than 15 044 contraventions had been identified."
Offences ranged from overstaying entry conditions, temporary residence permit abuses, police hits and for stolen or lost passports.
Apleni said an additional 461 immigration officers had been employed at the OR Tambo International Airport to help facilitate the large number of international fans who were arriving on South African soil.
This was over-and-above the 1 600 officers stationed at the airport.
Apleni said, however, that while much had been done to boost the human resources it was not enough.
"Going forward we are really looking at building capacity."