Two Congolese nationals arrested for allegedly attempting to gain unauthorised access to the 46th SADC Summit in Durban are expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The pair were arrested on Saturday after police allegedly discovered that they were attempting to enter the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) using accreditation issued to other individuals.
They face charges of fraud, impersonation and contravening the South African Police Service Act by allegedly entering a designated area without authorisation.
A third person arrested in connection with accreditation violations is a Zimbabwean national. He allegedly attempted to obtain accreditation for the summit by falsely claiming to be a performing artist.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the Zimbabwean national is also facing a charge related to being illegally in South Africa.
“The Zimbabwean national faces a charge related to being illegally in the Republic of South Africa,” Mathe said.
She added that authorities were prepared to deal with potential disruptions and public gatherings during the summit period.
“NATJOINTS is also fully aware of plans for matches and other public gatherings in and around Durban during the summit period. Security and law-enforcement plans are in place to manage these activities,” Mathe said.
She stressed that authorities would respect the right to peaceful and lawful participation but warned that criminal activity would not be tolerated.
“There will be no tolerance for criminal violence, intimidation, threats, restriction of property, attempts to breach restricted areas or any deliberate effort to disrupt the proceedings of the summit,” Mathe said.
The arrests come as security measures remain heightened around the Durban ICC, where leaders and delegates are attending the regional summit.