Man arrested trying to access presidential inauguration with fake ID

A man was arrested on Tuesday, June 18 at the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) accreditation centre at the Union Buildings ahead of the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Police arrested a man using fraudulent documentation to gain access to the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Pretoria CBD.

Natjoints spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, said: “At the time, the man 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.”

Mathe says the arrest is an indication of the centre’s zero-tolerance stance toward criminality and asserts that the same level of policing would be applied throughout the inauguration and any other upcoming major national event.

“The Natjoints has played a pivotal role in the run-up to this momentous occasion for our country. From ensuring that the elections take place in a safe and secure environment where every citizen from all walks of life can cast their vote, to securing the first sitting of the National Assembly and the nine Provincial Legislatures,” Mathe said.

The Natjoints was launched on May 24 ahead of the national elections to serve as a law-enforcement focal point that would monitor crime throughout the nation.

The centre accommodates representatives from 39 government departments, agencies, state-owned enterprises and private sector stakeholders.

“This is a clear demonstration of our country’s law enforcement capabilities and competence. The smooth running of these events without any disruption 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 the task and are ready to prevent, combat and enforce the law,” Mathe said.

The Natjoints Centre has a plan to monitor venue security, routes, transportation, traffic control (land and sea), airport and border control, accommodation security as well as crowd management.

This plan involving multiple governmental organisations led by SAPS, the South African National Defence Force and the State Security Agency is being implemented provincially and includes high, medium and low-risk units.

Traffic officials from Tshwane, Erkurhuleni and the Johannesburg have been deployed at all key points to direct traffic and implement road safety measures. They are working closely with members of National Traffic on road closures and alternative routes.

“The 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,” Mathe said.

LISTEN: 

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

There will be no private vehicle access to the union buildings. The park and ride shuttles will commence from 03:00 to 06:30 tomorrow, Wednesday June 19.

Pedestrians can access the Union Buildings from the south through a security checkpoint.

Prohibited items :

– Dangerous weapons such as firearms and sharp objects

– No traditional weapons including traditional spears and knobkerries

– No alcoholic beverages

– No cooler boxes

– No fireworks

– No glass bottles

– No drones

Attendees 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 must be accompanied by an adult and be kept under strict supervision.

The Department of Social Development has set up a tent to reunite children who have been separated from their guardians or parents.

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

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

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

Air support and air space security task teams which include the SAPS airwing, the South African Airforce and the SANDF are monitoring the airspace to ensure that no unauthorised drones and aircraft 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 disruption and unbecoming behaviour will be tolerated. We continue to urge members of the public to refrain from sharing unverified information in any form of picture, audio, or video that incites violence and creates disunity. Our intelligence communities continue to monitor various platforms for inflammatory messages and statements. Those who are found to be engaging themselves in online mobilisation for unrest and violence will be charged under the Cybercrime Act 19 of 2020,” Mathe said.

Attendees are urged to exercise ubuntu and adhere to the law while they may be assured that the centre is prepared for any and all acts of lawlessness.

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