Concert ‘chaos’: 7 suspects nabbed

Arrests come after premier asked for report on ‘criminality’ at the Global Citizen Festival.

The Johannesburg metro police arrested seven suspects for various crimes perpetrated against revellers who had attended the Global Citizen Festival at FNB Stadium, the Johannesburg MMC for public safety Michael Sun said.

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

“We have learned that only one incident was formally reported which goes in stark contrast to the many reports surfacing all over the media,” Sun said yesterday.

“I have received confirmation that JMPD had arrested seven suspects... for, among others, common robbery and assault of a police officer. We want to express our deepest regrets to those affected and call on the victims to come forward and report any incidence to the Saps.”

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 Saps was responsible for law enforcement, while JMPD was responsible for traffic management enforcement. “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,” he said.

The Saps had earlier dismissed allegations of lax security outside the stadium, saying victims should open criminal cases.