Rustenburg -The police are ready to maintain order during the Confederation of Southern African Football Association (Cosafa) tournament in Rustenburg, North West police said on Thursday.
“This tournament is a major event for the province and it will receive the maximum policing it deserves. We have increased visible policing in the affected areas already,” said acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Lebeoana Tsumane.
Tsumane called on all soccer supporters attending the tournament to play their part in making the tournament a safe and joyful event for all.
Fourteen southern African countries, including South Africa, are scheduled to participate in the tournament. The other countries apart from South Africa are Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Seychelles, Mauritius, Swaziland, Madagascar, Lesotho, Botswana, Ghana, Mozambique, Zambia, and Malawi.
The tournament is to be played at the Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg and at Moruleng Stadium in Moruleng near Sun City. The tournament takes place from May 17 to May 31.
Tsumane warned soccer supporters not to bring any item such as bottles, sticks, knifes, firearms and other items which could be used as weapons as there would be security checking visitors and investigating all items brought onto the premises.
“We will also use this opportunity to track and trace wanted suspects on our list,” he said. “We want all our visitors to feel safe while they enjoy the tournament .Those who are found to be at the wrong side of the law will be harshly dealt with.”
ANA