Authorities have stepped up security around the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit in Durban, with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) warning that attempts to bypass accreditation controls will face firm action.
The warning follows the arrest of three people who allegedly attempted to gain unauthorised access to the summit venue at the Durban International Convention Centre.
Two Congolese nationals were arrested on Saturday after allegedly presenting accreditation belonging to another person. Police said officers detected the discrepancy during routine access checks when the individuals’ identities did not correspond with the credentials they presented.
The arrests followed the detention of a Zimbabwean national last week. The individual allegedly attempted to obtain summit accreditation by posing as a performing artist and is facing a charge related to being illegally in South Africa.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said NATJOINTS would not tolerate the misuse, sharing, lending or falsification of accreditation.
She warned that people should not attempt to test the security arrangements surrounding the summit, saying measures had been designed to protect delegates, Heads of State, government officials, accredited participants and members of the public.
The arrests have placed renewed attention on the extensive security operation supporting the regional gathering, as authorities seek to ensure that only authorised individuals gain access to the summit venue.
With regional leaders and senior officials attending the event, NATJOINTS said security protocols would remain strictly enforced throughout the summit.