The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), which coordinates all security operations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, strongly disputes the Sunday Times lead article which incorrectly claims that there is a terrorism threat against the tournament.
The article in question is riddled with inaccuracies and most comments are from anonymous sources.
Although the NATJOINTS is not prepared to discuss intelligence matters for obvious reasons, we can categorically deny the existence of a "watch list of 40 terror suspects" or the arrest of any person directly targeting the world cup.
We can also dispute the existence of "operational militant training camps in several provinces in South Africa".
The security forces can firmly state that there is no known specific terror threat against the 2010 FIFA World Cup. All operational plans are on track, teams already in their base camps are moving around and police deployments are increasing.
We again make an appeal to all media to report responsibly in order to avoid alarming the community needlessly.
Contacts:
Sally de Beer
Cell: 082 779 8658
Hangwani Muluadzi
Tel: 012 314 3687
Capt Dennis Adriao
Tel: 012 314 3687
Issued by: South African Police Service
30 May 2010
Source: South African Police Service (http://www.saps.gov.za/)
