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Johannesburg - Elements in Germany, Britain, France and the Netherlands are seeking to take the FIFA World Cup from South Africa, national police Commissioner Bheki Cele claimed on Thursday. "There is trouble brewing... there is a belief that 2010 must be taken away from SA," he said in Johannesburg.
Evidence of this was people in Germany saying World Cup visitors should wear bullet-proof vests. He said there were people who told FIFA their countries were ready to host the tournament if South Africa failed. It was ironic security concerns were not raised when European fans and cricket teams travelled to the country for the England versus South Africa tour.
"Lufthansa [which operates flights between Germany and SA] flies here every day..." he said.
Ordinary people were buying tickets, despite efforts by some people to prevent them from attending the tournament.
Cele said police had budgeted R640m for operations to be carried out during the World Cup. Equipment worth R608m was bought.
South Africa is ready to host the FIFA World Cup.
He had met chiefs of police from Britain, France, the Netherlands and Germany and they had given him the thumbs up.
"When it comes to 2010, I sleep like a baby. If June 11 would come tomorrow we would be ready."
Cele took a swipe at journalists following an e.tv interview in which two men, their faces concealed, threatened to "rob and kill" tourists coming to the country for the World Cup. It was aired on January 16.
Cele has wanted the station to reveal the identities and whereabouts of the two, which e.tv refused to do.
"Journalists, what will you do if a source calls to tell you, ‘I'll rape your mother 12 times and shoot her 24 times.’ What will happen?" he asked.
One of the men was arrested "with his gun" and Cele said his accomplice would also be caught.
He thanked those who recognised the man's voice on TV and reported him to police.
Cele also commended the police for their efforts in fighting crime.
Friday's Police Day was a way of recognising them for their work. About 45 000 police officers were expected to gather in Bloemfontein to celebrate the day.
"SA police members deserve the best. The day is declared a family day of police, we will dance and eat meat. If you have a problem, sorry," he said.
Cele was speaking at an awards ceremony to announce the best performing officers.
Evidence of this was people in Germany saying World Cup visitors should wear bullet-proof vests. He said there were people who told FIFA their countries were ready to host the tournament if South Africa failed. It was ironic security concerns were not raised when European fans and cricket teams travelled to the country for the England versus South Africa tour.
"Lufthansa [which operates flights between Germany and SA] flies here every day..." he said.
Ordinary people were buying tickets, despite efforts by some people to prevent them from attending the tournament.
Cele said police had budgeted R640m for operations to be carried out during the World Cup. Equipment worth R608m was bought.
South Africa is ready to host the FIFA World Cup.
He had met chiefs of police from Britain, France, the Netherlands and Germany and they had given him the thumbs up.
"When it comes to 2010, I sleep like a baby. If June 11 would come tomorrow we would be ready."
Cele took a swipe at journalists following an e.tv interview in which two men, their faces concealed, threatened to "rob and kill" tourists coming to the country for the World Cup. It was aired on January 16.
Cele has wanted the station to reveal the identities and whereabouts of the two, which e.tv refused to do.
"Journalists, what will you do if a source calls to tell you, ‘I'll rape your mother 12 times and shoot her 24 times.’ What will happen?" he asked.
One of the men was arrested "with his gun" and Cele said his accomplice would also be caught.
He thanked those who recognised the man's voice on TV and reported him to police.
Cele also commended the police for their efforts in fighting crime.
Friday's Police Day was a way of recognising them for their work. About 45 000 police officers were expected to gather in Bloemfontein to celebrate the day.
"SA police members deserve the best. The day is declared a family day of police, we will dance and eat meat. If you have a problem, sorry," he said.
Cele was speaking at an awards ceremony to announce the best performing officers.
