Concert ‘chaos’: cops wash their hands

Police say the Global Citizen Festival was incident free, except for one cellphone snatching.

The Gauteng provincial government has put in a request for the full report on “criminality meted against revellers” at the Global Citizen Festival on Sunday night after several festivalgoers reported scenes of violence, chaos and mass muggings after the event.

Traumatised victims took to social media to share their horrific experiences of how the precinct became a “war zone” after the event had ended just before midnight, describing scenes of brazen robberies, traffic chaos and lack of public transport.

A group of about 30 men were reportedly using knives and guns to attack people and grab their belongings. The alleged injuries included stab wounds, while many were allegedly mugged of their cellphones and other belongings. Young women waiting for their rides at a nearby petrol station were allegedly harassed and threatened with rape, with allegedly no security or police in sight.

Yesterday, Gauteng Premier David Makhura requested a detailed report on the visibility of the police, as it was undeniably one of the key areas of concern.

“Public places should never be a golden den for criminals. Our law enforcement agencies, especially the police, are expected to play their role,” said Makhura.

Stadium Management SA (SMSA) expressed regret at the reported incidents of violence but said it had no authority on the safety of music revellers.

In a statement, SMSA CEO Jacques Grobbelaar said the South African Police Service was responsible for law enforcement, while JMPD was responsible for traffic management enforcement.

This plan was approved by the national commissioner of police and outlined in the written event specific safety and security plan.

He said the plan stated their responsibilities in the event were only limited to the management of parking, hospitality, cleaning services, formal and informal vendors and existing commercial sponsors activation management.

“I formally record any notion that SMSA was responsible for the safety and security and/or traffic management is simply not true. The ... safety and security plan approved by the national commissioner of police is testimony to that.

“But he said he will fully cooperate with any inquiry.”

Meanwhile, the Saps has dismissed allegations of lax security outside the stadium, saying it was successful in combating crime and that those who allegedly fell victim to robberies should open criminal cases.

Police spokesperson Vish Naidoo said the event was incident-free, except for one cellphone snatching. Despite a promise of an official statement, JMPD did not deliver at the time of going to press.