Durban — Police arrested two people for selling fraudulent tickets during the MTN8 final between AmaZulu FC and Orlando Pirates held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium over the weekend.
Earlier this week, eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said that enhanced security was in place at the MTN8 final and Gcwalisa Spring Picnic held at the Kings Park Stadium, with law enforcement agencies on hand to ensure the safety of visitors. There were no major incidents reported. However, arrests for the sale of fake tickets were made.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker confirmed that on Saturday, police officers received information about people selling fraudulent MTN8 soccer tickets for the final.
Naicker said that the first suspect, 24, was arrested at the corner of Anton Lembede and Mahatma Gandhi streets.
“He was found in possession of 28 fraudulent tickets in his pockets,” Naicker said.
He said the team of officers proceeded to Wema hostel, where the second suspect tried to evade arrest but was cornered by police.
“The suspect, aged 37, was found in possession of 59 counterfeit tickets for the match,” Naicker said.
He said that both suspects appeared in court for the possession of counterfeit goods.
Before the match, police had warned that they were on top of safety and security measures for the final.
Various disciplines from the SAPS and other security agencies were expected to be deployed for the MTN8 final.
Police officers and other personnel were expected to be deployed in and around the stadium as well as around the city to tackle the problem of fake tickets and the resale of event tickets. There would be a zero-tolerance approach to fake tickets and the resale of tickets.
Daily News