Jittery foreign visitors, including diplomats, celebrities and wealthy businessmen are scrambling to secure personal bodyguards for the Soccer World Cup, the Sunday Times reported.
The newspaper said that requests from across the world peaked after last week’s 100-day celebrations to the tournament’s kick-off and this would see several top-end security specialists being fully booked.
Dynamic Alternatives co-director, Gavriel Schneider, said clients making requests for the service included executives, individuals and groups from the financial, sporting, industrial and mining sectors.
Their requests ranged from around the clock protection to escorts to and from stadiums and tourist destinations.
He said it would cost about R3 000 per day for the services of a bodyguard.
Chris Beukes, head of TSU Protection Services, said his staff would be working around the clock during the tournament.
“It starts at the airport, picking up clients and escorting them throughout the visit,” he said.
Tommy Meiring, a co-director of Legosec security, said his bookings almost tripled after the 100-day celebrations.
He said some foreigners have asked about terror attacks and others requested overnight duty services at hotels.
“It depends on the client. Some want security throughout the trip … while some want protection at certain venues only,” Meiring said.
‘Obviously we’re confident’
Fifa president Joseph Blatter has expressed his total confidence in security measures.
Blatter made the remarks after a two-day workshop on March 5 that included World Cup organising chief Danny Jordaan, team security and police representatives from 29 of the 32 nations playing in the tournament.
“Obviously we’re confident, otherwise we wouldn’t have taken the decision to allow South Africa to host the World Cup,” said Blatter.
“South Africa proved last year during the Confederations Cup that their security measures worked. If it worked for the dress rehearsal why wouldn’t it work for the real show.”
Police National Commissioner Bheki Cele said at the workshop that local police would be reinforced by police from participating countries.
“South Africa will employ 188Â 000 people in their security forces,” explained Cele, “of which 44Â 000 will be deployed directly at World Cup sites and all the others will be involved in security throughout the country.
“The fans will not be confined to match venues, they’re coming to enjoy the rest of South Africa.” – Sapa, AFP