SAPS in training (File)

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Cape Town - 'You can never be too prepared' is the well worn saying that epitomises the preparations the South African Police Service (SAPS) are making ahead of the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

According to the official FIFA website, for the spokesperson for the SAPS, Vishnu Naidoo, the hard work and preparation that is being put in now will ensure a safe World Cup in South Africa this year.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure this is one of the best tournaments that FIFA has hosted. We want people to come and enjoy themselves, secure in the knowledge that we will do the policing,” said Naidoo.

South Africa hosted the FIFA Confederations Cup and the Indian Premier League in 2009, with no major incidents.

However the 2010 World Cup is a far larger affair and in response to this, the SAPS has increased their capacity, having now taken delivery of R665-million worth of new equipment. This includes six helicopters, 10 mobile command vehicles, 100 high performance vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, body armour and water cannons.

An unmanned aerial vehicle, or drone, is an aircraft that flies without a human crew on board the aircraft, Their biggest use is in reconnaissance.

Besides the investment in equipment, the SAPS have also recruited 55 000 new police officers over the last five years. This force will be complemented with an additional 41 000 officers who have gained invaluable experience in handling major sports tournaments. These security forces will be charged with border control, route security, city security, stadium security and crowd management during the tournament.

“We have managed to allocate more than the required capacity for the tournament,” said Naidoo. “So there is going to be high visibility of police officers during 2010. Visibility of police officers has proven to be the most effective strategy to combat crime.”