Irish diplomat, Luke Feeney was all praises for effective policing and traffic management systems that ensured that no reportable incident and accident occurred during the British Lions and Royal XV International Rugby match played at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on Saturday.
"From what one has observed, there is no doubt that Rustenburg as a host city is ready to host the Confederation Cup. Other areas need to double their efforts to address some of our few worries in time for the games," the Second Secretary at the Embassy of Ireland remarked at the remote search area near the stadium prior the kick-off.
The iron curtain of security and vigilance of members of joint operations team that included mounted police, motorcycle units, dog units, explosive experts and aerial observation through helicopter led to the arrest of scores of illegal immigrants and numerous suspects for possession of dagga, illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, platinum, and uncut diamonds in an around Rustenburg.
Several summonses were also issued for traffic violations service providers turned away for non-compliance with health regulations for transportation of food stuffs on inspection. Employees contracted by service providers with criminal records were also eliminated during the accreditation process.
"The zero tolerance and offensive against crime and non-compliance with the law we have launched will be extended to every part of our province and sustained well beyond both the Confederation and Fifa 2010 World Cup. We owe it to the people of our beautiful continent, country and province to ensure that forthcoming events are hosted within a safe and secure environment." North West MEC for Public Safety, Howard Yawa emphasised after participating in distribution of safety travel tips pamphlets at the Mooinooi Traffic Control Site.
Motorists that interacted with the MEC Yawa at the site traffic control site on Bakwena N4 Tollroad between Rustenburg and Brits expressed their appreciation that the visibility of the law enforcers reinforced their sense of security. Blue Bulls supporters Bobby Vermaak and Hein Stolz of Rustenburg said they felt that safer and protected.
According to the Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lesetja Beetha, teams from Western Cape, Northern Cape and Mpumalanga Provinces have been seconded by their respective provinces and host cities to the North West for practical exchange of learning experiences.
Feedback received thus far is that their observation of the functioning of integrated joint command and operations structures, implementation of the safety and security masterplan, disaster management, contingency and procedures plans towards Confederation Cup preparations are invaluable for the overall successful hosting of the best football world cup ever.
"There are vast improvements in terms of organisation, processes and procedures that were followed during the Nelson Mandela Challenge match between South Africa and Norway was hosted here in two months ago," observed Eugene Tsitsi a local rugby fan.
The laying of celebrity bricks at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium by Oregan Hoskins, President of SA Rugby and his deputy, Mark Alexander on Saturday left footprints of their illustrious careers in Rugby. The next spot for a celebrity brick is of course reserved for the President of Fifa, Sepp Blatter.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 018 381 9117
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 381 9164
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Public Safety, North West Provincial Government
31 May 2009
