MEC Shongwe thanks police for preventing a potential crisis situation
27 February 2012
Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC, Mr. Vusi Shongwe thanks the provincial South African Police Service (SAPS) for their effective crowd management skills demonstrated just before the Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits game at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, February 25.
According to Shongwe, the prompt response by SAPS indicates the readiness of law enforcement agencies in dealing with any crisis situation because the incident that occurred at the stadium had a potential of escalating into a bigger problem.
After realizing that soccer supporters flooded gate one and six at the stadium at kick off time, police took a decision to open the exit gates for people to access the grand stands and kick off delayed to avoid problems as the incidence could have developed into a stampede situation.
“We thank the police and stakeholders involved in the decision taken as this was in the interest of the safety of our people. It is not only crime that is the responsibility of the police, but they also concentrate on strategies designed to diffuse any disastrous situation,” said the MEC.
He urges soccer lovers to come early at the stadium in future in order to be seated on time and to avoid problems.
Enquiries: Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450
Issued by Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety,
Security and Liaison
