Media Statement on the
Security Arrangements for the World Conference Against Racism by the Office of the Deputy
National Commissioner of the South African Police Service and Head of Operations,
Commissioner LCA (André) Pruis
The operational structures responsible for securing the
World Conference Against Racism can proudly announce that all security measures are in
place for the coming Conference which will take place from 31 August 2001 until 7
September 2001 in Durban.
Joint operational and intelligence structures consisting of
all relevant role players such as the South African Police Service, South African National
Defence Force, National Intelligence Agency, Departments of Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs
and others, were established during 2000, and had monthly planning meetings on the
security measures for the conference. These committees have utilised experiences, as well
as debriefings from the previous major events which took place not only in South Africa
but abroad to ensure that the necessary security measures will be in place. Extreme
precautionary measures on especially traffic congestion, illegal gatherings and marches
have been taken. Contingency plans have been completed for every possible security threat.
A joint plan has been compiled by all role players
including the Road Traffic Inspectorate and the Durban Metro Police, with the objective of
creating a safe and secure environment for the conference. This will be accomplished
through the use of risk management principles by:
- establishing uncompromising security measures,
- limiting the probability of critical incidents occurring,
and
- limiting the impact of any critical incident through
contingency planning.
The security plan will be implemented in three phases, the
pre-conference phase, the conference phase and the post-conference phase. The operation is
divided into four operational sectors, namely the policing areas of Durban North, Durban
South, Midlands and Umzimkulu. Units from the Security Forces and other roleplayers from
various provinces as well as members from Kwazulu Natal will be deployed in these areas to
ensure that the conference environment is made safe and secure.
In each of the four policing areas a 24-hour Joint
Operational Centre will be established. A 24-hour WCAR Joint Operational Centre will also
be established within close proximity of the ICC. A Joint Operational Committee
consisting of national, as well as provincial representatives, will be established to
command, control and monitor the security of the conference.
The Constitution of the RSA guarantees the rights of
assemblies, gatherings and demonstrations. This right is, however, limited in operation by
the Regulation of the Gatherings Act which stipulates that permission must be
obtained from the local authority in advance. Where illegal gatherings, assemblies and
demonstrations take place the Security Forces will take the necessary action. We
would like to appeal to all citizens to co-operate with the Security Forces during this
conference.
27 August 2001
Director Bala Naidoo : POCOC spokesperson 0828000534
Commissioner Ngobeni - 0828003672 |
