Rustenburg - The North West Public Safety Department is to tighten its security to ensure smooth operations during the FIFA Confederation Cup match between South Africa and New Zealand on Wednesday at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
MEC for Public Safety, Howard Yawa said the match played between Spain and New Zealand on Sunday was a prelude to a bigger responsibility that will be facing the North West Provincial FIFA Confederation Cup host city of Rustenburg.
He said the department has devised an intervention informed by it experiences during the Spain and New Zealand match to improve on communication.
"Coordination of park and ride facilities and an improved exit strategy for VIP's and fans will be in place during the match as it is expected to fill the 45 000 stadium to capacity," Mr Yawa said.
Mr Yawa urged fans to pick up a list of prohibited items at traffic control centres or Park and Rides venues so as to be in a position to leave such items in their cars.
"Items such as food, alcohol or drugs, cups, jugs or cans, weapons, sharp objects and umbrellas fall within the list of prohibited items.
"Racist or xenophobic material like t-shirts or flags, promotional or commercial material, banners or flags larger than 2 X 1.5 meters are also included in the list of prohibited items," he said.
He further reminded fans that in their excitement, they should not stand on seats, enter the pitch or the area around the pitch.
Though excessive noise, megaphones, hooters or gas-powered horns are not allowed, however, vuvuzelas are allowed, Mr Yawa said.
He reported that during the Sunday's match, 2 313 vehicles were scanned through the Automatic Number Plate Recognition System Vehicle that the Provincial Business Against Crime has loaned to the province in support of successful hosting of the Confederation Cup.
Three vehicles with registration from neighbouring countries were picked up for outstanding traffic fines with the Johannesburg Metropolitan.
"Aerial observation prior, during and after the match assisted with quick resolution of situations that arose during the Spain versus New Zealand match.
"No vehicles were reported as stolen during the Spain and New Zealand match, we intend to improve on the success," said Mr Yawa.
