Bongani Mlangeni
10 April 2007
South Africa has sent a contingent of police and defence force members to the West Indies to assist the Caribbean countries with security for the remainder of the Cricket World Cup.
The team comprises 77 members drawn from the SA Police Service's special task force and national intervention unit and the SA National Defence Force's special forces and 7th Medical Battalion.
They will be in the West Indies from 8 to 29 April, and provide operational assistance during the Super Eights, semi-finals and final in Grenada, St Lucia and Barbados.
South Africa has been involved in security preparations for the World Cup since 2006.
According to SAPS spokesperson Sally de Beer, the team will serve as a reaction force for deployment in case of an emergency.
The team includes bomb disposal experts, detectives, hostage negotiators, crime scene investigators, dog handlers and a command and control group lead by SAPS deputy commissioner Andre Pruis.
All team members will be wearing their own uniforms and will operate with their own equipment and firearms, including dogs and bomb disposal equipment.
"The SAPS and the SANDF will also perform general operational support duties, such as the sweeping of venues, airports and harbours, VIP protection and crowd management," De Beer said.
National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi said the request to assist with Caribbean security during the tournament was an indication that South Africa's policing was first-class.
"The SAPS are once again proving that we are a first-class policing agency and always prepared to share our skills and expertise with other countries," Selebi said. "The move will also ensure that our members gain invaluable knowledge and experience."
Source: BuaNews
