Latest news with #SafetyatSportsandRecreationalEventsAct
The Citizen
12-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Five arrested for damage to property at Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Five arrested for damage to property at Loftus Versfeld Stadium Police arrested five men for public violence and malicious damage to property following a violent protest at Loftus Stadium on Sunday. The unrest broke out during the half-time of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier between Bafana Bafana and Malawi. Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said about 150 people started protesting at 16:30. She said when public order police tried to speak to them, protesters turned violent and threw objects at the officers. Police responded and arrested five suspects. 'The men face charges of public violence, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and malicious damage to property.' The five suspects are expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. Muridili said police must act when protests threaten safety, as per the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act. The act ensures safety at public events like sports matches and concerts. The April violence at Loftus Stadium is still under investigation. Violence broke out after a CAF Champions League match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Espérance Sportive de Tunis. The clash followed Sundowns' 1–0 win at Loftus. Police confirmed that 13 people were injured but refused medical help. Videos on social media showed fans throwing objects, dismantling barricades and fighting, despite security personnel trying to defuse the situation. Sundowns later released a statement condemning the violence. The club apologised to Espérance and their supporters. They noted their fans may not have started the fight, but admitted it happened at their home ground. Sundowns said some fans were attacked with flares and pepper spray. They promised to work with the police to prevent future incidents. #sapsGP Police have arrested five men following a protest at the Loftus stadium in Hatfield, Tshwane district on 11 May 2025. The suspects will be facing charges which include public violence, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and malicious damage to property.… — SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) May 12, 2025 Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
11-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
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. 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. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
11-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Nedbank Cup Final: Police ensure safety with five arrests at Moses Mabhida Stadium"
Police in KwaZulu-Natal are being lauded after arresting five suspects and ensuring a smooth game during the Nedbank Cup Final between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. The game had South Africans at the edge of their seats, and opportunistic criminals thought they could get away with their crimes. The provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said security was a topical point days leading to the much anticipated Soweto derby, and the capacity of the police was once again scrutinised and put to the test. 'The planning team put the necessary deployment 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 match day 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,' he said.
The Citizen
09-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
KZN police warn those ‘hellbent on creating chaos' at Soweto derby
The police warned that inciting violence or planning disruptions is a criminal offence. Members of the South African Police Service (Saps) at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 28 October 2022. Picture: Gallo Images/Darren Stewart KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police say they are intensifying efforts to identify individuals attempting to incite unrest ahead of the highly anticipated Soweto Derby in Durban this Saturday. Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are set to face off in the Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. While the match is a sold-out affair, it has been overshadowed by issues with the ticketing system that led to an overselling of tickets. As a result, more than 10 000 fans were refunded, sparking frustration among supporters. Reports have since emerged of fans threatening to force their way into the stadium, which officially holds around 55 000 spectators. KZN police on Soweto derby preparations Addressing the media on Friday, KZN Deputy Police Commissioner Phumelele Makoba acknowledged concerns regarding the venue, particularly due to ongoing construction in and around the stadium. These were later addressed after construction authorities confirmed that the stadium is safe and fully prepared to accommodate fans in line with the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act. ALSO READ: Orlando Pirates – the road to the Nedbank Cup final 'All certification, including the most important one, the grading vertificate confirming the safety of the stadium and its readiness to cater for 51 000 capacity crowd, our fears were allayed,' Makoba told reporters. She also addressed the ticketing debacle. 'Ours as the police was to ascertain if there was any oversale of tickets because we were never prepared to plan for a stampede,' the provincial deputy commissioner remarked. Incitement of violence Makoba indicated that the police are aware of 'inflammatory messages' circulating on social media, including attempts to recruit others for protest actions near the stadium and threats to breach stadium security. She issued a stern warning to those inciting violence or planning disruptions, stating that such actions were a criminal offence. 'We do not take any threat lightly. Our intelligence officers are at work, identifying those individuals who are hellbent on creating chaos on the day of the match,' Makoba said, adding that 'no lawlessness will be tolerated'. READ MORE: Pirates coach Riveiro reveals game plan for Chiefs clash 'Those who have threatened to block certain roads are advised to reconsider that idea because closing of roads is a criminal offence and police will act accordingly.' Makoba said police operations have been significantly ramped up, including aerial surveillance to help identify any problem areas. She added that the precinct around the stadium is a red zone and 'no one without a valid matchday ticket must come closer to the stadium'. KZN police to tighten security at Soweto derby final Makoba further said that the police will be strictly monitoring ticket sales to maintain order. Additionally, any person found selling tickets, whether fake or authentic, will be arrested and locked up. She also cautioned fans not to bring prohibited items to the venue. 'Football lovers must make sure that they do not bring prohibited items like firearms, knives, bottles and all dangerous weapons. Possession of dangerous weapons is a criminal offence.' READ MORE: Pirates' Ncikazi shares views on Riveiro, says Chiefs are favourites to win final For those unable to attend the match, alternative arrangements have been made. Makoba confirmed that the eThekwini Municipality will provide public viewing areas, such Albert Park, for fans to watch Saturday's game. 'We urge those who could not get the tickets to make use of those facilities,' she said. Fans with valid tickets were encouraged to use the park-and-ride system to reduce congestion. Moreover, the provincial deputy commissioner indicated that routes that were initially set for partial closure will now be fully closed to enhance security in and around the stadium, with measures in place to minimise traffic congestion.
