By Zuko Komisa
- Three foreign nationals have been arrested for attempting to breach security protocols at the 46th SADC Summit in Durban.
- Two suspects used fraudulent accreditation, while a third fraudulently sought access before being detained on immigration charges.
- Security forces warned against testing venue protocols, confirming lawful protests will be permitted but disruptions met with zero tolerance.
Three foreign nationals have been arrested in Durban after allegedly attempting to bypass accreditation and security checkpoints at the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit.
According to the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), two Congolese nationals were detained on Saturday when security officers discovered their identities did not match the venue passes they presented.
They face charges of fraud, impersonation, and contraventions of the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act.
Earlier in the week, a Zimbabwean national was also apprehended while attempting to obtain fraudulent accreditation as a performing artist, subsequently being charged with immigration offences.
Security officials have issued a stern warning against the falsification, sharing, or misuse of event credentials to gain unauthorised entry.
“The message from NATJOINTS is clear: the 46th SADC Summit will proceed as planned. Security measures remain firmly in place, and anyone attempting to compromise the summit will face the full might of the law,” NATJOINTS stated.
Law enforcement acknowledged planned public demonstrations in the area, reaffirming that whilst the constitutional right to peaceful protest is respected, any criminal behaviour, intimidation, or attempts to disrupt the summit will be strictly handled. All accredited delegates have been urged to secure their credentials at all times.
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