By Thapelo Molefe
KwaZulu-Natal police have arrested a man accused of threatening to shut down Moses Mabhida Stadium to prevent Saturday’s MTN8 Cup final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns from taking place.
The suspect allegedly gathered a group of people at King Dinizulu Park in Durban with the intention of staging a march, according to a statement released by KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda on Saturday.
Police said the other people who had gathered with the suspect managed to flee.
Netshiunda said police would not tolerate threats aimed at disrupting public order.
“Police are reiterating that anyone who threatens to cause instability will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said.
The arrest comes amid concerns over possible disruptions to the highly anticipated final, following reports that protesters had threatened to shut the stadium gates to prevent the match from going ahead.
Earlier on Saturday, Netshiunda dismissed rumours circulating on social media about the match being cancelled, assuring supporters that the game would proceed as scheduled.
“The match is going ahead as planned and police have put necessary measures to protect spectators, officials and players,” he said.
Police also confirmed that all roads leading to Moses Mabhida Stadium were open and would remain open, warning that anyone attempting to stage protests near the venue or along access routes would face law enforcement action.
The developments follow violent protests in Durban and surrounding suburbs on Thursday and Friday, during which two houses were burnt in the Umbilo area and several shops were damaged, with some also looted.
Police said 15 suspects were arrested on Friday night, bringing the total number of arrests linked to the unrest to 19. Four suspects had been arrested on Thursday for attempted murder and discharging a firearm in public.
The suspects are expected to face charges of public violence and malicious damage to property, while investigations continue into the burning of vehicles and buildings.
Police have urged supporters attending the final to arrive early to avoid congestion. Weapons, including guns and knives, and bottles are prohibited inside the stadium, while unauthorised drones are banned because the stadium and its vicinity have been declared no-fly zones.
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