Mangaung security a success - police

2012-12-20 13:38

Riah Phiyega (File, Sapa)

Bloemfontein - The policing and securing of the ANC's Mangaung 2012 elective conference and surrounding communities have been successful, national police commissioner Riah Phiyega said on Thursday.

"With a noticeable level of community participation and support, we received minimal reports of incidents," she said.

Phiyega said two cases of common assault were opened against police officers and would be investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).

Police raids

The alleged assaults were connected with police raids on the conference residences of delegates from North West province.

Phiyega said the security operations targeting the specific residences were intelligence driven.

"Investigations were ongoing and warrants were obtained for the searches," she said. To obtain a warrant police had to convince a magistrate that there was enough evidence to justify it.

Phiyega was also happy with the apprehension of four men who allegedly planned acts of terrorism directed at the conference.

Phiyega said the smooth running of the conference security operations was due to good co-operation of all conference attendees.

"The media came in large numbers and complied with our tight security requirements, aiding our ability to deliver the safe conference," said Phiyega.

- SAPA