Lerato Mbhiza
Minister of Police Bheki Cele said the South African Police Services (SAPS) are ready to serve and protect the international guests at the BRICS Summit starting on Tuesday.
Cele was addressing a multi-disciplinary parade at the Innes Free Park in Sandton, Johannesburg on Monday.
The Minister of Police together with Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola gave an update on security measures ahead of the Summit.
Cele said the government will ensure that the BRICS Summit happens in a safe and secure environment with minimal to no incident of instability and criminality.
“Make the world that is descending here to say, indeed, South Africa is the place to be,” Cele said, encouraging the officers to make people feel comfortable; make their trip enjoyable and also make them want to come back to South Africa.
“We are not scared; we are absolutely not scared; nobody should be scared. You are commanded to go and do your best for the country,” he intoned.
The law enforcement agencies deployed at the BRICS summit include the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department, members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and security companies.
“What is expected of you is to show that every person visiting and every citizen is safe. Approach situations and people here with friendly faces. You are not here just for security, you are ambassadors.
“Police visibility is not a once off thing, it has been the order of the day since Operation Shanela was launched on the 8th of May 2023”.
Masemola called on the security forces to be vigilant at all times and to execute their respective mandates professionally, impartially and with integrity while upholding and enforcing the law.
The Summit will be hosted from Tuesday, 22 to the 24 August 2023, is expected to be attended by over 40 Heads of State, scores of government representatives as well as local and international dignitaries and summit delegates.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Co-chair of the Tebello Mosikili confirmed that law enforcement agencies are ready to secure the BRICS three-day event set to be held in Sandton, north of Johannesburg.
“Members of the public are cautioned against committing any illegal acts as law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to act against anyone who conducts themselves in an unlawful manner. Any threats or disruptions will be dealt with decisively within the ambit of the law,” Mosikili said.
Mosikili also alerted the residents and businesses in the Sandton area of a few road closures from last Sunday.
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