Ban soccer hooligans, say MPs

‘THEY MUST NEVER, EVER GO TO PUBLIC EVENTS’ Modus operandi of thugs has ‘drastically’ changed.

MPs have suggested that those found guilty of public violence at soccer matches be banned from sporting and recreational events for life.

“I maintain that hooligans who are found guilty never, ever go to any public event,” said Beauty Dlulane, chair of parliament’s portfolio committee on sport and recreation, after a briefing by police, the Premier Soccer League, the SA Football Association, private security companies and other stakeholders on the violence that occurred on April 21 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

It emerged that 21 people were injured, including 15 fans, four private security guards, one police officer one metro police official after fans stormed the pitch and went on a rampage when Kaizer

Three suspects appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court yesterday on charges of public violence after the incident at Moses Mabhida Stadium on April 21.

Cebolendoda Hadebe, 21, Douglas Mhlaliseni Mkhize, 42, and Lungigani Gabriel Jaca, 33, were each released on bail of R1 000. The case against the trio was remanded to May 25. – ANA Chiefs lost to Free State Stars in the Nedbank Cup semifinal.

MPs said given the increasing cases of hooliganism, harsher penalties were needed for those found guilty of these crimes.

National Police Commissioner General Khehla Sitole yesterday told parliament the modus operandi of hooligans attending soccer matches has “drastically” changed, requiring a review of the law governing safety at sporting events.

“This particular legislation