Security exercise for 2010
2008-03-18 16:26
Cape Town - The police and army on Tuesday wound up a high-profile three day security operation in the skies above Cape Town, declaring that it proved South Africa is ready to combat threats of terrorism or other violent disruptions to the 2010 soccer World Cup.
Air force and air traffic control authorities vetted hundreds of commercial and private flights, staged helicopter manoeuvres above the half-built Green Point soccer stadium and simulated a mid-air hijacking. More exercises will be repeated over the next year at all cities hosting the tournament.
Senior air force official Brig Gen Anton Kriegler said Operation Green Point, due to end on Tuesday night, was a trial run for 2010 and had run smoothly. The idea was to sort out glitches now rather than in two years time, he said.
Local residents, who opposed the construction of the 68 000 seat Green Point stadium in the heart of the city, were less convinced.
"The invasion of our peace and quiet was inexcusable," wrote Geoff Stroebel in the Cape Times newspaper. "How many times is it necessary to fly around a half completed stadium?"
Deputy Police Commissioner Andre Pruis predicted: "From a security point of view, a very successful World Cup."
Budgeted R1bn for security
Pruis said authorities were completing "very specific" plans to cover scenarios such as hooliganism and chemical and biological threats. Border security will be stepped up with the help of satellite technology, and special measures will be made at the country's ports and for cruise liners.
The South African government has budgeted R1bn for security for the World Cup. This will be used to buy additional surveillance aircraft, police vehicles and other equipment, Pruis said. More than 40 000 police will be dedicated to World Cup duties.
It is the first time an African country has hosted the soccer spectacle and there are concerns about the poor transport infrastructure, delays in building some of the stadiums - and security in a country known for high crime rates.
The government has repeatedly stressed that the country will be safe for the anticipated 350 000 tourists expected to flood in.
- AP