LIVE: Opening of the 46th ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State

Three arrests were made in connection with an attempt to gain unauthorized access to the 46th SADC Summit in Durban. According to the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), two Congolese nationals were apprehended on Saturday after attempting to enter the summit venue at Durban's International Convention Centre (ICC) using false accreditation.

The individuals were halted at an access-control point when security officials discovered that their identities did not align with the accreditation they presented. These two individuals are now facing charges of fraud, impersonation, and violating the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act 2 of 2010 for entering a restricted area without authorization.

Their identities and the circumstances surrounding their attempted access are currently under further investigation, as stated by police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe. Additionally, a Zimbabwean national was apprehended earlier this week for allegedly attempting to secure accreditation by falsely claiming to be a performing artist, with the intention of gaining access to the summit venue.

This individual is now facing a charge related to being in South Africa illegally. NATJOINTS has warned accredited individuals not to share or transfer their accreditation, stressing that only those with valid accreditation will be permitted into the summit venue. The organization also pledged to be prepared for any planned marches and gatherings in Durban, while emphasizing that they respect the constitutional right to peaceful, lawful protest.

However, NATJOINTS has made clear that there will be zero tolerance for criminality, violence, intimidation, property destruction, attempts to breach restricted areas, or any deliberate efforts to disrupt the proceedings of the summit. Those participating in marches and gatherings are urged to comply with all laws and instructions issued by law-enforcement officers, as NATJOINTS will not allow individuals or groups to exploit legitimate gatherings to undermine the safety, security, and integrity of the summit.