Cops keep eye on Berlin November
On our side we have categorised the event as a medium risk for now
Major-General André Swart
Provincial police have taken over the security of the Berlin November festival venue with immediate effect following a spate of attacks on property and threats to torch it.
The announcement was made by SAPS Eastern Cape deputy commissioner MajorGeneral André Swart at an inspection of the racecourse in Berlin on Wednesday ahead of the Saturday event.
Swart said a police assessment found that the threats and disruptions posed a medium security risk.
Also at the inspection was acting premier Phumza DyanThey tyi, Buffalo City Metro mayor Xola Pakati and event organiser Luthando Bara.
Swart said his office would commit police officers from various divisions to be at the venue on the days leading up to the event as well as on the big day.
“On our side we have categorised the event as a medium risk for now and it gives us certain directives in terms of deployment but I can assure you we have enough deployment to deal with the situation.”
A permanent joint operations centre (JOC) for police, ambulance, traffic officials, firefighters and disaster management officials would be set up on the day, said Swart. Strict arrangements would be enforced on the N2 from King William’s Town with spectators barred from watching races from the side of the busy highway as they had in previous years.
“There are people travelling from other provinces who will not be aware of the race, so it is a big traffic risk. There is no need for spectators to stop and watch on the N2, there is plenty of parking at the venue. ”
Bara said the disruptions and threats had caused delays.
“Five service providers who were supposed to erect marquees, and bring furniture and sound systems for private companies were afraid to bring their equipment. But with the police assurance, we have seen trucks starting to trickle in today.”
On October 25, organisers woke up to find the physical infrastructure of the venue vandalised. The damage came 15 days after Economic Freedom Fighters invaded the racecourse and chased away workers who were preparing the racetrack. Swart said anyone trying their luck ahead of the extravaganza, would be dealt with.
On Tuesday four tyres were set alight near the racecourse. Bara believes they were striking municipal workers targeting the venue based on false reports that BCM had sponsored the event with R8m instead of prioritising its workers.
“That is wrong, we have been promised just more than a R1m and we have not even received it.”
A furious Pakati sent a stern warning to vandals planning to disrupt the event. “It has come to our attention that there are certain elements attempting to disrupt the event for cheap political points.
“We are here to assure the people of the city that those intending to disrupt the event will be dealt with with the full might of the law.”