Nedbank Cup Final: Police ensure safety with five arrests at Moses Mabhida Stadium
Durban welcomed fans for the 2025 Nedbank Cup showdown at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Image: Leon Lestrade/Independent Media
Police in KwaZulu-Natal are being lauded after arresting five suspects and ensuring a smooth game during the Nedbank Cup Final between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
The game had South Africans at the edge of their seats, and opportunistic criminals thought they could get away with their crimes.
The provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said security was a topical point days leading to the much anticipated Soweto derby, and the capacity of the police was once again scrutinised and put to the test.
“The planning team put the necessary deployment in place, and the execution of such plans was second to none. On the day of the match, five suspects were arrested for different infringements of the law.
"Two suspects were arrested for unauthorised sale of match day tickets, two more suspects were arrested for pitch invasion, which is in contravention of the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act (Act No.2 of 2010), and one suspect was nabbed for an authorised flying of a drone within the perimeters of the stadium.
"Once processed, the suspects will face the wrath of the law,” he said.
Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi praised officers from various law enforcement agencies who worked from the early hours until late at night to ensure the safety of everybody who was part of the football spectacle.
He also applauded the planning team, which was led by the overall commander, Deputy Provincial Commissioner Major General Phumelele Makoba, who was present at the Venue Operational Centre (VOC) to give real-time direction, guidance and operational expertise.
“The province of KwaZulu-Natal is capable of safeguarding residents, visitors and tourists. For a major event of the calibre of the Soweto derby to reach its conclusion without any major security concerns is proof enough that police in KwaZulu-Natal, working together with other law enforcement agencies are up to the task to provide safety and security,” Mkhwanazi said.
He also thanked all soccer supporters for abiding by the law.
“I would like to show appreciation to football fans who respected law enforcement officers both on the roads and at the stadium. Real football lovers ignored a call by rogue elements who wanted to create chaos around the match. Intelligence officers will continue to search for those who were instigating violence so that the law may take its course,” Mkhwanazi said.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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