Just few days to the rugby test between the Springboks and the British and Irish Lions, Transport and Safety MEC Ghishma Barry said the operational security plan for the match has been drawn up in a similar way as that of the FIFA 2010 soccer world cup.
The game will attract scores of rugby supporters from neighbouring provinces such as Western Cape, Free State and Northern Cape.
The plan includes ensuring maximum deployment to ensure the general safety and crowd management at the stadium and in the routes leading to the stadium.
“We did have challenges of people bringing sharp objects and alcohol to the stadium during the open day last week. We have agreed that no spectator with a bottle or a sharp object will be allowed into the stadium,” said Barry.
She added that the South African Police Service will be assisted by the traffic police form the province and the Nelson Mandela Bay to ensure safety both on the roads and in the stadium.
Listing the routes which will be high priority for the security forces, Barry said that we want to give a special attention to the Colchester intersection because of the traffic coming down on the national road which leads to the Metro.
“in these routes there will be visible patrols, speed checking and focus on drunken driving, vehicle fitness, moving violations, overloading, safety belts, illegal use of cell phones, drivers license, reckless and negligent driving. This will be in the same degree as we do in the Arrive Alive campaigns,” she said, adding that the meeting with various security agencies was to ensure effective co-ordination and synergy of the plan for the Rugby match.
Issued by: Department of Transport and Safety, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
10 June 2009
