DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal — Law enforcement officials overseeing security at the 46th SADC Summit in Durban have apprehended three foreign nationals accused of exploiting the event’s credentialing system. The arrests highlight the stringent access-control measures currently active at the Durban ICC, as authorities crack down on unauthorized entry attempts and prepare for large-scale public demonstrations.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) confirmed that the suspects were detained in separate incidents after attempting to circumvent the summit’s strict accreditation protocols.
Over the weekend, specifically on Saturday, police detained two individuals from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Investigators allege the duo attempted to bypass the summit’s security checkpoints by utilizing identification badges registered to other attendees. Consequently, they are now confronting a slate of serious offenses, including impersonation, fraud, and violations of national security legislation relating to entering a designated area without authorization.
This weekend crackdown follows a similar security breach earlier in the week involving a Zimbabwean citizen. According to Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the national police spokesperson, this suspect allegedly sought summit access by falsely claiming to be a performing artist. Beyond the credential deception, Mathe confirmed that the individual is also being charged with immigration offenses related to being unlawfully present within the Republic of South Africa.
Beyond managing venue access and protecting international delegates, the security cluster is simultaneously monitoring a wave of civic action. Organizers have scheduled several marches and public demonstrations throughout the host city for the duration of the diplomatic gathering.
NATJOINTS stated that it is fully aware of these planned public gatherings and has deployed comprehensive law enforcement plans to safely manage the crowds. While the operational command reiterated its commitment to upholding the constitutional right to lawful and peaceful assembly, authorities drew a hard line against public disorder.
Brigadier Mathe emphasized that police will exercise zero tolerance toward intimidation, violence, criminality, or property damage. Furthermore, any coordinated attempts to breach the summit’s secure perimeters or deliberately disrupt the ongoing proceedings will be met with swift legal action. Demonstrators have been urged to keep their activities peaceful as the region’s leaders continue their high-stakes engagements in the city.
