and the North West
11 March 2009
"Exercise Shield 3", a joint exercise between the South African Police
Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and other
government departments will take place around four stadia and certain airfields
between 16 and 20 March 2009.
This specific exercise is aimed at honing our security-related skills to
ensure a safe environment in host cities during major events, including
securing the national airspace. Some of the most elite members and units within
the security forces will engage in simulated scenarios and enact certain
aspects of our emergency contingency plans in order to neutralise any form of
airborne threat.
The operation is considered to be an excellent training opportunity for the
security personnel to be deployed during the FIFA Confederations Cup in June
this year and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which is just over 12 months away.
The SAPS units to be utilised during this exercise include the special task
force, the national intervention unit, the national air wing, the dog unit,
bomb disposal experts, hostage negotiators as well as borderline and ports of
entry components.
As this exercise aims to ensure the security of the airspace, the South
African Air Force, in close co-operation with the Air Traffic Navigation
Services of the Department of Transport (DoT) will play a pivotal role. These
departments will be closely supported by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and
various other elements of the South African National Defence Force and
government co-ordination structures, thereby ensuring integrated
inter-departmental support to the South African Police Service.
The Civil Aviation Authority has already issued a Notice to all Airmen
(NOTAM) which restricts - but does not ban - flights in certain airspaces in
Johannesburg, Pretoria (Gauteng) and Rustenburg (North West). With the
exception of scheduled or State flights, all other aircraft wishing to enter
into the stipulated airspace between 16 and 19 March 2009 must conform to the
restrictions. This entails applying for flight authorisation at least 24 hours
in advance, submitting a flight plan, being equipped with a transponder and
being subjected to a vetting process. Any aircraft observed entering the
temporarily restricted airspace without the prescribed authority may be
subjected to interception. Detailed information can be obtained on the web
sites http://www.atns.co.za and http://www.caa.co.za.
Effective co-operation will ensure a secure airspace without negatively
impacting on the aviation sector.
The security forces wish to advise the communities of Gauteng and the North
West Province that Exercise Shield 3 is an essential exercise to allow our
security forces to merge their expertise to ensure that we can deal with any
crime or terror related threat, as well as any natural or non-crime related
disaster, during major events.
From 16 to 20 March 2009 there will be a great deal of aerial activity in
Johannesburg, Pretoria and Rustenburg areas, particularly over the Soccer City,
Ellis Park, Loftus and Royal Bafokeng stadiums. Our activities will be very
intensive on Wednesday, 18 March and Thursday, 19 March with aerial simulations
both during the day and night. We ask people residing in those areas to
exercise patience and we regret any inconvenience, especially in terms of
noise, that it may cause to some individuals.
The security forces are proudly South African and fiercely proud of our
reputation as world leaders in securing major events. This exercise will afford
us the opportunity to hone our skills and make all South Africans proud of
their security forces and their country.
Enquiries:
Director Sally de Beer
Cell: 082 779 8658
Issued by: South African Police Service
11 March 2009
