Security Buffer Zone Spreads Around Stadia

Security concerns related to South Africa's high rate of violent crime have caused police and FIFA officials to create a 1KM-radius security zone around stadia used in the Confederations Cup. Anyone trying to get into the stadia will pass through a metal detector. Assigned seating is also seen as a security move, mainly to protect spectators from overcrowding.

The assigned seating is meant to prevent overcrowding or the risk of a stampede and, unlike at local matches, nobody without a ticket is allowed to enter the stadium grounds.

About 8 000 police officers are deployed for the Confederations Cup, which is also being hosted in Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Rustenburg.

SA tightens security around Confed stadiums
Independent Online
June 17, 2009