African

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) says it is satisfied that all security measures that have been put in place ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration ceremony are sufficient and adequate.

NATJOINTS has played a pivotal role in the run-up to this momentous occasion for the country.

this from ensuring that the 2024 National and Provincial Elections took place in a safe and secure environment, where citizens from all walks of life were able to cast their vote, to securing the first sitting of the National Assembly and the nine Provincial Legislatures.

“This is a clear demonstration of our country’s law enforcements capabilities and competence.  The smooth running of these events without any disruptions and with minimal incidents reported throughout the country during this period, bears testament that the security forces of this country are fully equipped, are equal to task and stand ready to prevent, combat and enforce the law,” NATJOINTS said in a statement.

“Our integrated NATJOINTS plan is designed to focus on venue security, route, transport, traffic control, sea, land, airport, border, accommodation security as well as crowd management capabilities.

“This plan involving various government departments led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force and the State Security Agency is currently being implemented in all corners of the Gauteng province where the Presidential Inauguration is taking place.

“We have heightened police visibility, where all operational units are on the ground to ensure that we assert the authority of the State,” NATJOINTS said.

NATJOINTS said it is leaving nothing to chance and has already begun to deal with criminality, with the arrest of a foreign national at the accreditation centre on Monday.

At the time, the Zimbabwean national attempted to obtain accreditation.

“Our integrated systems immediately detected that this individual was using an identity document of a deceased person. The suspect has been charged with fraud and contravention of the Immigration Act. He is in police custody.

“We have our high, medium and low risk units all deployed to execute their respective mandate within the confines of the law,” NATJOINTS said.

Traffic officials from Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg Metro Police Departments have been deployed at all key points to direct traffic and execute road safety measures.

They are working closely with members of National Traffic officials who have been communicating on the road closures and alternative routes.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has also deployed its crime prevention officers and Public Order Policing units to police the large crowds that are expected to attend these celebrations.

“We are patrolling, conducting stop and searches and roadblocks to ensure we tighten security and deal with any criminality,” NATJOINTS said.

Members of the public wishing to attend the Presidential Inauguration will be able to park their vehicles at the Tshwane Showgrounds and ride a free bus to the Union Buildings.

There will be no private vehicle access to the union buildings. The park and ride shuttles will commence at 3am to 06:30am this morning.

The public walking in will have access to the Union Buildings South Lawns through a security checkpoint.

All attendees are encouraged to conduct themselves responsibly and in an orderly manner.

The following items are prohibited:

* Dangerous weapons such as firearms and sharp weapons.

* No traditional weapons, including traditional spears and knobkerries will be allowed.

* No alcoholic beverages.

* No cooler boxes.

* No fireworks.

* No glass bottles.

* No drones.

Members of the public are reminded that before entering the South Lawns, they will be searched and anyone found with these items will be turned away.

Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult and parents who wish to bring their young children along must ensure strict supervision.

The Department of Social Development has set up a tent to reunite children who have separated from their guardians during the event.

The SAPS has also established a Venue Operations Centre (the VOC), where all safety and security responses will be coordinated from.

Emergency medical services also form part of the VOC and are on standby to attend to any medical emergencies.

The area around the Union Buildings has been declared a restricted no-fly zone for 20 nautical miles until Wednesday evening at 16:00pm.

“Our air support and air space security task teams, which includes the SAPS Airwing, the South African Air Force and the South African National Defence Force are monitoring the airspace to ensure that no unauthorised drones and aircrafts enter the restricted air space.

“As the NATJOINTS, we stand ready to stamp the authority of the State and to deal with any lawlessness. No disruptions and unbecoming behaviour will be tolerated.

“We continue to urge members of the public to refrain from sharing unverified information in any form of pictures, audios, or videos that incite violence and create disunity.  Our intelligence communities continue to monitor various platforms for inflammatory messages and statements,” it said.

NATJOINTS warned that those who are found to be engaging themselves with online mobilisation for unrest and violence will be charged under the Cybercrime Act 19 of 2020. – SAnews.gov.za

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