By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Police Minister Bheki Cele conducted a safety inspection of the Moses Mabhida Stadium ahead of the certificate of recognition handing-over ceremony of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
Cele says police officers deployed to the certificate of recognition handing over ceremony of AmaZulu King Misuzulu by President Cyril Ramaphosa will ensure the event unfolds peacefully.
The Minister said this during a safety inspection of Moses Mabhida Stadium, the venue where the event will be held on Saturday.
Cele said that four upcoming events in South Africa were expected to attract large crowds, and that police would be paying close attention to ensure the safety of residents, after the US embassy cautioned that there could be a terrorist attack in the country over the weekend.
Although the caution issued by the US embassy said the attack could target the Sandton area, Cele said the events they were paying particular attention to were “the king’s event, the Soweto derby, rugby match, and Johannesburg Pride march”.
He added that despite reports of a possible terror attack in Sandton this weekend, police had no evidence to support the claim.
“We don’t have evidence on the table to support that alert issued by the US embassy, but even if there was a credible threat, our levels of preparedness are such that all those wishing to attend can come and attend freely without fear.”
Addressing the officers during a parade, Cele urged them to make the best of the historic event, themed “liphumile iLanga kwaZulu – the Sun has risen on the Zulu nation”.
“The King of the Zulus will be given the certificate by the President, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, tomorrow in front of the nation, in front of the province and in front of the world. He will be saying: ‘Here is your King’. Yours is to make sure that it all happens peacefully, as pronounced by [SAPS management].”
The handing over of the certificate of recognition comes after the King was in August coronated by the Zulu Royal House. He ascended to the throne following the death of his father, King Goodwill Zwelithini in March 2021.
“You must uphold the law… and enforce it … From yesterday, today, tomorrow and after, your job is to enforce the law. If anybody gets in the way – you must make sure that you put that person back [in line] so that tomorrow the event is given the dignity that it deserves.”
The Minister said police would be deployed to various strategic routes and locations, including roads, hotels and other areas where the public would be meeting and congregating.
“Remember that you are representatives, you are the face of the government. We are the face of the event. When you see things then deal with those things decisively. But do everything within the law. Be decisive, be tough,” he said.
The Mzansi Magic Channel 161 will carry the broadcast of King Misuzulu’s ceremony from 10am on Saturday, titled: Bayede: The Royal Zulu Coronation Live from Moses Mabhida Stadium.