News
SA boosts police numbers
08 November 2006
South Africa's tourism minister has revealed that the country intends to vastly increase its police force in time for the upcoming football World Cup.
Marthinus van Schalkwyk, who was in London for the World Travel Market 2006, told reporters that his country would be stepping up security during the event, reports SABC News.
By the time the World Cup arrives in South Africa in 2010, Mr van Schalkwyk says the country will have 187,000 officers.
This signals a rise in police numbers by 35,000 compared to the current situation.
In addition, the tourism minister revealed that 5,000 new railway police will be in place and are to be deployed on the rail system from 2007.
The move is in direct response to critics who have expressed their doubts as to whether South Africa will be able to handle the millions of people who will attend the event.
Over 500,000 foreign visitors are expected in the country, while 3m locals are also likely to descend on the stadiums and surrounding areas.
Concerns centre on South Africa's abysmal record on violent crime and the possibility of the country becoming a terrorist target during the World Cup.
© Adfero Ltd
Marthinus van Schalkwyk, who was in London for the World Travel Market 2006, told reporters that his country would be stepping up security during the event, reports SABC News.
By the time the World Cup arrives in South Africa in 2010, Mr van Schalkwyk says the country will have 187,000 officers.
This signals a rise in police numbers by 35,000 compared to the current situation.
In addition, the tourism minister revealed that 5,000 new railway police will be in place and are to be deployed on the rail system from 2007.
The move is in direct response to critics who have expressed their doubts as to whether South Africa will be able to handle the millions of people who will attend the event.
Over 500,000 foreign visitors are expected in the country, while 3m locals are also likely to descend on the stadiums and surrounding areas.
Concerns centre on South Africa's abysmal record on violent crime and the possibility of the country becoming a terrorist target during the World Cup.
© Adfero Ltd
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