Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr. Jackie Macie is praising members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the province, under the leadership of the Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, and all members of the Security Cluster for the successful hosting of the MTN 8 finals between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.
Macie says the entire security cluster that included traffic law enforcement officers from the province, the City of Mbombela, the emergency personnel, PSL, and sponsors did an excellent work as there were no major challenges identified.
The MEC believes Saturday's spectacle and exceptional organizing done by all those involved, is yet another case in point that more games and events, should be brought to Mbombela.
"We are grateful to the organisers, the security cluster and the throngs of football supporters who filled up the stadium on Saturday. We also wish to thank the PSL and the sponsors for choosing Mbombela to host the match. The spectators were cooperative hence there were no major incidents."
"The match was not only about football but about the economic spinoffs to the province and social cohesion. The tourism sector benefited immensely and we believe more games will be brought to Mbombela," added Macie.
He also thanked the Premier, Mr. Mandla Ndlovu for his guidance and amplifying the messages on the game because this assisted in mobilising football supporters.
However, the MEC notes that only one person was arrested for allegedly selling fake tickets while ten people had their vehicles impounded for parking in the wrong places. The ten offenders paid fines for their vehicles to be released.
ENDS...
Issued by the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison.