The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the Hawks' arrests of a group of radical terror plotters who, according to the Police Ministry, were planning to sabotage the World Cup and engage in other possible public violence.

Although the details of this plot are still emerging, it is clear that the police have acted swiftly to bring this fringe group into custody, and the police deserve commendation for their efforts. The suspects have been apprehended, and the dangerous explosive materials they were in possession of have been taken into safekeeping. This is exactly the sort of decisive policing that we need to see more of.

It is obviously particularly essential, in the weeks and months leading up to the World Cup, that the Police uncover right now any and all plots to undermine the successful hosting of the tournament, and the police's actions have therefore been especially timely.

Statement issued by Dianne Kohler Barnard, MP, Democratic Alliance shadow minister of police, May 7 2010

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