The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has assured delegates attending the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit in Durban that extensive security measures are in place.
Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili said on Tuesday that authorities would not allow disruptions during the high-level gathering and called on everyone to comply with the rules governing the summit.
More than 10 heads of state are expected to attend the summit, placing Durban under heightened security as South Africa prepares to host regional leaders and their delegations.
NATJOINTS Warns Against SADC Summit Disruption
Mosikili said citizens planning a march on Wednesday have a constitutional right to demonstrate, but warned that the protest should not interfere with the summit while it is under way.
“NATJOINTS, its proven track record of planning and securing national and international events hosted in South Africa, we have repeatedly demonstrated our ability to deliver world glass security operations without incidents,” Mosikili said.
She said the security operation involves a range of law enforcement capabilities and resources that have been deployed as part of the broader plan for the summit.
Durban SADC Summit Security Forces On Standby
“All specialised units and maximum available resources have been placed on standby and are deployed as part of the overall security plan.
“This includes intelligence, crime prevention, public order policing, traffic management and other specialised capabilities required to secure the Summit, its delegates, venues and associated activities. Our approach is proactive. We are not waiting for incidents to happen before we act.”
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Mosikili said authorities were working to identify and assess potential threats before they could develop into incidents.
She added, “We are identifying potential threats, assessing them and putting measures in place to prevent them from materialising. Our intelligence structures are on the ground, and all security agencies are working together under the NATJOINTS framework.”
SADC Summit Security Operation Covers Delegates And Venues
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The security arrangements cover the summit, its delegates, venues and related activities, with intelligence, crime prevention, public order policing and traffic management among the capabilities being used.
NATJOINTS said the various security agencies are operating together under its framework as South Africa hosts the regional summit in Durban.
