Zimbabwean arrested at Durban SADC Summit

A Zimbabwean national has been arrested in Durban after allegedly posing as a performing artist in an attempt to gain accreditation and access to the 46th Ordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit.

South Africa's National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) said the man claimed that his identification and supporting documents had been stolen.

He was arrested after allegedly failing to produce valid documentation while attempting to obtain accreditation as an artist for the high-profile regional gathering.

The arrest comes as South African authorities intensify security operations ahead of the summit, with 12 Heads of State and Government expected to arrive in Durban this week.

NATJOINTS chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili warned that accreditation processes would be strictly controlled and that anyone attempting to compromise the security of the summit would face the full force of the law.

Briefing journalists in Durban on Tuesday, Mosikili said security operations began on 3 August and had already covered preparatory meetings and side events without incident.

She said specialised security units, intelligence structures and maximum available resources had been deployed to identify and prevent potential threats.

Mosikili also addressed planned marches and demonstrations, stressing that South Africans retained their constitutional right to protest peacefully and lawfully.

However, she warned that the right to protest did not extend to criminal conduct, intimidation, property damage or attempts to disrupt the international gathering.

"Let me be unequivocal: the disruption of the 46th SADC Ordinary Summit will not be allowed. The security forces will respond decisively, proportionately and within the law to any threat to public safety and security," she said.

Authorities are closely monitoring planned demonstrations around the summit, while maintaining that lawful protests would be permitted.

"You have a right to protest peacefully and lawfully. You do not have a right to commit criminal acts, intimidate others, damage property or disrupt a major international event," Mosikili said.

Road closures are expected around the International Convention Centre (ICC) and along routes designated for the movement of Heads of State and other high-level delegates.

Members of the public have been urged to cooperate with law enforcement officers and comply with temporary traffic and security restrictions during the summit.

Mosikili said NATJOINTS had a proven track record of securing major national and international events and expressed confidence that Durban was ready to host the SADC gathering safely.

"We are ready. We are watching. We will act," she said.

The summit security operation follows months of preparation, with authorities saying proactive measures are being taken to ensure the safety of delegates and prevent disruptions to the regional meeting.

The arrest of the Zimbabwean national highlights the heightened scrutiny surrounding accreditation as security agencies work to ensure that only authorised personnel gain access to restricted summit areas.