NatJoints affirms readiness to secure BRICS summit
Co-chair of the national joint operational and intelligence structure (NatJoints) Tebello Mosikili confirmed the country’s law enforcement agencies’ readiness to secure the three-day event set to be held in Sandton, north of Johannesburg.
Heads of state and ministers are expected to descend on the Sandton Convention Centre for the 15th annual BRICS (Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa) Summit, which has been shrouded by controversy after the International Criminal Court issued a warrant of arrest for Russian president Vladimir Putin.
READ: Putin will not attend BRICS summit, Presidency confirms
Mosikili warned against any attempts to distabilise the event.
“Members of the public are cautioned against committing any illegal acts as law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to act against anyone who conducts themselves in an unlawful manner.
“Any threats or disruptions will be dealt with decisively within the ambit of the law,” Mosikili told reporters.
MORE BOOTS ON THE GROUND
Police will heighten visibility within the vicinity of the event between 22 and 24 August.
Mosikili confirmed resources from all government departments involved in the planning of the summit had been mobilised, and that officers from the Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg Metro Police would join the South African Police Service.
“Working closely with all stakeholders, the NatJoints will thus heighten police visibility in and around the conference centre with the aim of preventing and combating any form of opportunistic crime, pre-, during, and post-the summit.”
While she could not disclose the number of members who would be deployed for security reasons, a stern warning was issued to chancers, reiterating that only accredited persons will be allowed near the summit venue.
“Members of the public are cautioned against committing any illegal acts as law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to act against anyone who conducts themselves in an unlawful manner. Any threats or disruptions will be dealt with decisively within the ambit of the law,” she added.
ROAD CLOSURES:
Residents and business operators in the Sandton area have been warned of road closures from Sunday.
Those living in Midrand will also be affected by closures on Wednesday next week.
The closures in Sandton will be as follows:
From 08:00 am on Sunday, 20 August 2023 to 00:00 (midnight) on Thursday, 24 August 2023
• Corner Maude and West Streets
• Corner West Street and Alice Lane
• Corner Alice Lane and 5th Street
On Wednesday, 23 August 2023, those operating businesses and residing along the Midrand Gallagher Estate are advised on the following road closures:
From 15:00 to 00:00
• Gallagher Avenue and Richards Drive
• Richards Drive traffic circle
• Johnnic and Lupton Street
• Johnnic and Pretoria Main Road
A notice to all Airmen (NOTAM) has also been issued by the Civil Aviation Authority which restricts the airspace within two nautical miles and five thousand feet above sea level to the conference venue from 22 to 24 August 2023.
ALSO READ:
