strict security SONA 2023

Strict security measures have been put in place around the Cape Town City Hall for SONA 2023. Image: Flickr

SONA 2023: SECURITY will be tight around Cape Town City Hall

Tight security measures have been put in place around the Cape Town City Hall for SONA 2023.

strict security SONA 2023

Strict security measures have been put in place around the Cape Town City Hall for SONA 2023. Image: Flickr

Law enforcement officers have been deployed, and security will be tight to ensure that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) takes place in a secure environment, with no crime incidents before, during, and post the SONA 2023.

SONA 2023: LAW ENFORCEMENT IS ON HIGH ALERT

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) which comprises various government departments, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the State Security Agency (SSA), has put measures in place to ensure that the State of the Nation Address (SONA) takes place in a safe and secure environment at the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday, 09 February 2023.

ALSO READ: Soshanguve school needs 400 chairs for learners

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Integrated and joint law enforcement operations are underway. She said law enforcement officers have been deployed and are on high alert.

She said the tight security is to ensure that the SONA 2023 takes place in a secure environment, with no incidents of crime before, during or post the SONA.

security tight SONA 2023
Security will be tight during the SONA 2023. Image: @SAPoliceService / Twitter

ALSO READ: Is your child one of 77 learners stuck in one little mobile classroom?

“To this end, the NATJOINTS is calling for the cooperation of the public, including those who will be in attendance as well as spectators. Any action aimed at disrupting the SONA or intentionally contravening the law, will be dealt with accordingly within the ambit of the law.”

Athlenda Mathe

Mathe says a Notice to all Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued by the Civil Aviation Authority, which restricts the airspace within 1,5 nautical miles from the Cape Town City Hall during SONA between 13:00 to midnight.

ALSO READ: Accused DNA linked to poached rhino horns found in search seizure operation

SONA 2023: SECURITY DISRUPTORS WILL BE DEALT WITH

“Only the South African Air Force (SAAF) will have flexible use of airspace during this period. Please note that this is strictly a no fly zone for drones.”

Athlenda Mathe

Those who are not accredited or authorised to attend should avoid the area around the City Hall.

ALSO READ: Dangerous suspects arrested in Tshwane for cash-in-transit robberies and AMT bombings

For information on road closures and parking restrictions, visit the SAPS website at www.saps.gov.za. You can also go to the SAPS Facebook and Twitter social media pages.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE ARTICLES BY VIRGINIA KEPPLER-YOUNG