/ 31 May 2010

Be objective, Cele tells World Cup media

Be Objective

The government does not expect local and international media to be its “praise singers” over the Soccer World Cup, but urges them to report “objectively”, police commissioner Bheki Cele said on Monday.

Where the government was alerted about criminal activities by the media or society, it would act “with swiftness”, Cele told a Foreign Correspondents’ Association briefing on World Cup security, according to a statement from his office.

“What we appeal to you as media practitioners, is not to exaggerate normal policing, which will still continue, and associate each crime committed or arrest made elsewhere to the safety of the World Cup.

“Such unfounded allegations have the potential to unfairly taint the image of the tournament when in fact some of these crimes are isolated and have no linkage whatsoever,” he said.

Cele said past experiences had taught that major international events often tempted criminals or “terrorists”.

“We are steadfast in our security plans and we will not be distracted in our cause. Any type of deviant behaviour, be it criminality or terrorism, will be dealt with swiftly and with no mercy.”

This was particularly so when it came to hooliganism.

“… And that is why we are working closely with those countries where hooliganism is most prominent.”

Cele said the Ministry of Police had, for instance, signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Kingdom on broad areas of cooperation relating to safety and security measures.

Information exchange between police in both countries before and during the tournament would help catch hooligans attempting to enter South Africa.

“However, should they sneak out of United Kingdom into South Africa illegally, we will be ready for them.”

‘Ready for any eventuality’
Cele said law enforcement and intelligence specialists from all participating countries were already in the country to help with, among other things, language and cultural differences.

South Africa already had 40 000 police officials “everywhere and ready for any eventuality”.

He said route security, specifically from airports to cities, ports of entry and team bases would be a priority. Police stations, crime investigation teams and special courts dedicated to all World Cup-related events would operate 24-hours a day.

“Host cities have been divided into sections, with police teams patrolling each section focusing on accommodation, stadiums, fan parks, restaurants and tourist venues.”

Cele nonetheless urged tourists to be careful.

“A specific message we want to instil in all our visitors: police operations alone cannot resolve crime. As tourists you have a critical role to play as well.

“As they would do in any country globally, we urge them to exercise caution notably when they need general information, to consult the 2010 one-stop information resources, which are available across the country,” he said. — Sapa