By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has urged rugby fans across the country not to drink and drive ahead of the Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand.
Police warn that officers will be monitoring places of leisure such as fan parks and public gatherings before, during and after the match as part of its weekend high density operations.
National Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says the operations aim to ensure that there’s safety and security at all times.
“The National Crime Combatting Forum (NCCF) consisting of all Provincial Commissioners has met under the command of General Fannie Masemola to discuss operational plans in place to ensure the safety and security of these gatherings and that police are on hand to enforce the law at all times.
“General Masemola is thus satisfied with plans to monitor tonight’s festivities, as part of Operation Shanela, which includes regular roadblocks, stop and searches as well as the tracing of wanted suspects.”
She adds that rugby fans should refrain from drinking and driving.
“The SAPS takes this opportunity to call for the cooperation of members of the public, who will be at these public viewing venues to conduct themselves responsibly.
“The SAPS also cautions citizens to be extra vigilant of their surroundings while celebrating and most importantly not to drink and drive as such action will be dealt with accordingly.”
Meanwhile President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in the French Republic to cheer on and back the Springboks in their 2023 Rugby World Cup final match this evening.
Ramaphosa will before kickoff hold a pull aside bilateral meeting with the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron.