2010 security exercise in PE

2008-07-16 12:07

Johannesburg - The army, navy, police and airforce will descend on Port Elizabeth later this month to conduct a training exercise ahead of the 2010 Soccer World Cup, police said on Wednesday.

National police spokesperson Sally de Beer said "Exercise Shield", to be conducted between July 27 and August 3, was a practice run for securing the airspace, maritime environment and other strategic areas in case of a threat during the 2010 tournament.

"Some of the most elite members and units within the security forces will... enact certain aspects of emergency contingency plans in order to neutralise any form of airborne, seaborne and landborne threat," de Beer said.

The police would use their special task force, national intervention unit, national and provincial air wings, border and entry points unit in the exercise. Crime intelligence and organised crime units, counter assault teams, hostage negotiators and bomb disposal experts would also go through their paces.

The Civil Aviation Authority issued a restriction of flights within 40 nautical miles of Port Elizabeth's airport between July 31 and August 1.

De Beer said only scheduled and state flights would be allowed into the airspace during that period. Anyone else had to apply for permission at least 24 hours in advance, submit a flight plan and risk "interception, interrogation and possible prosecution", said de Beer.

"There will be a great deal of activity in the area with a number of uniformed members, vehicles, aircraft and vessels in and around the city, its airport and harbour."

- SAPA