Heavy police deployment at Moses Mabhida Stadium ahead of Nedbank Cup final match

DURBAN - There is a heavy police deployment at the Moses Mabhida Stadium ahead of Saturday’s Nedbank Cup final match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

Various police units are manning all corners of the stadium, while the Durban metro police has blocked off all major routes around the stadium.

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This follows threats made by unhappy football fans who complained about a system glitch in ticket sales, leaving them unable to attend the match.

While more than 40,000 supporters are expected to fill the stadium, police said they would remain on high alert throughout the day.

Hundreds of public order officers have been deployed to secure the Moses Mabhida Stadium and its precinct.

Police have confirmed that the number was beefed up due to threats made by some supporters, who, while ticketless, vowed they will force their way into the stadium and create chaos.

KwaZulu-Natal police deputy provincial commissioner Major General Phumelele Makhoba said, “We have beefed up our operations on the ground and our air support will play a major role in identifying areas of concern from the sky.”

She added that the stadium would be a no-go area for those without tickets.

“The stadium precincts will practically be our red zone and no one without a valid ticket must come close to the stadium.”

Supporters were expected to start trickling into the stadium for the Soweto Derby from midday.