By Thapelo Molefe
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda on Saturday dismissed rumours circulating on social media about the MTN8 soccer final, confirming that the match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns would proceed as scheduled.
Netshiunda said the match was going ahead as planned and that police had put the necessary measures in place to protect spectators, officials and players.
He said access routes to Moses Mabhida Stadium would remain open to supporters, although eThekwini Municipality has confirmed that Isaiah Ntshangase Road will be closed from 12:00 as part of match-day traffic arrangements.
“Anybody who attempts to stage any kind of protest on the routes leading to the stadium, or anywhere in the vicinity of Moses Mabhida Stadium will be met with the strong arm of the law,” Netshiunda said.
The police assurance comes amid reports that protesters had threatened to shut the gates of Moses Mabhida to disrupt the final, raising concerns about the safety of supporters travelling to Durban for the match.
The final, scheduled for Saturday evening, will see Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns compete for the first major trophy of the season.
Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00, with stadium gates opening at 14:00. The match is sold out, and supporters have been advised that printed tickets and screenshots will not be accepted, while no tickets will be sold at the stadium.
The threats emerged amid protests in Durban and surrounding areas following public anger over a court ruling requiring immigration and refugee offices to process asylum applications, including those from people who entered South Africa without visas.
On Friday, the Department of Home Affairs withdrew a directive issued on 28 September to implement the Constitutional Court’s ruling, citing pressure on refugee reception offices and threats to public safety. The department said it would develop a new approach to complying with the judgment.
The unrest has coincided with reports of attacks on foreign-owned shops, looting and vehicles being set alight in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, and in Soweto.
Police said 15 suspects were arrested on Friday night following violent protests, bringing the total number of arrests to 19. Four other suspects were arrested on Thursday, three in connection with attempted murder and one for allegedly discharging a firearm in public.
The suspects are expected to face charges of public violence and malicious damage to property, with additional charges potentially being added.
Two houses were burnt in the Umbilo area, while several shops in and around Durban were damaged, some of which were also looted.
Students arrested
Netshiunda said the majority of those arrested were students. Intelligence officers and detectives are continuing investigations to identify and arrest other people allegedly responsible for the violence, including the burning of vehicles and buildings.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
Meanwhile, the KZN Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Provjoints), which comprises the South African Police Service, Durban Metro Police, Road Traffic Inspectorate and other law enforcement agencies, including private security, said comprehensive security measures had been put in place for the final.
The operation includes traffic management, stadium and fan park safety, and measures to maintain public order before, during and after the match.
Provjoints said the province, including Durban and surrounding areas, had been relatively calm despite sporadic violent protests in the Durban central business district on Thursday afternoon.
It said police would maintain increased visibility to prevent criminal elements from disrupting the event.
The structure also warned against misleading social media posts about the staging of the match, saying security planning remained in place and that anyone who breached security protocols or endangered spectators, officials and players would face the full force of the law.
Football supporters have been encouraged to arrive at the stadium early to avoid traffic congestion and delays at the entrances.
Provjoints also reminded spectators that weapons, including guns and knives, and bottles were prohibited inside the stadium.
Moses Mabhida Stadium and its vicinity have been declared no-fly zones, meaning unauthorised drones are not permitted.
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