It is all systems go for the security preparations of the upcoming 15th BRICS Summit, that’s set to get underway on Tuesday, 22 August 2023 in Sandton Johannesburg.

21 August 2023

The Police Ministry is satisfied that the South African Police Service(SAPS) and supporting law enforcement agencies that fall part of the security plan to safeguard the BRICS Summit, have left nothing to chance as they conclude plans of ensuring the safety of the summit and all its attendees.

Over 40 Heads of State, scores of Ministers and government representatives as well as local and international dignitaries and a large media contingent, are expected to converge at the Sandton Convention Centre for the three day Summit.

On Monday 21 August 2023, Minister of Police General Bheki Cele addressed all the security forces deployed to safeguard the event.

“As law enforcers of this country, you are expected at all times to strictly implement security whilst being ambassadors of the country, this means do you work well and represent the country well. Don’t leave anything to chance as you go about your work in securing this major event that will see around 40% of the world at our doorstep. Keep all those attending the conference safe whilst you continue to strengthen your responses to crime through policing interventions such as Operation Shanela for the sake of South Africans and all those within our boarders.” concluded Cele.

The Police Ministry wishes to assure the nation that the deployment of additional police to the BRICS Summit doesn’t pause normal policing. While there will be large numbers of officers working in and around the venue of the summit, SAPS members from various disciplines will continue with their duties; preventing combating and investigating crime in communities. Operation Shanela will also continue as per norm, with high density operations conducted from Thursday up until the early hours of Monday in identified high crime areas.

Issued by Lirandzu Themba on behalf of Police Ministry, 21 August 2023