Soccer: South Africa focus on World Cup safety

Nothing is being left to chance as the South African police prepare to put 32,000 men and women to work in an all-out effort to ensure the security and safety of the huge crowds expected at next year's soccer World Cup.

If there are to be problems, they could, according to the police, be inside rather than outside the stadiums.

Assistant Police Commissioner Ben Groenewald said 50,000 people, including staff helping with traffic and disaster management, among other things, would play the key roles outside the venues in ensuring the World Cup was a "safe and enjoyable experience".

Groenewald, also head of operational support services, is confident he and his staff have the experience and expertise to meet the challenge.

"The Confederations Cup in which we are presently involved gives us an ideal opportunity to put our plans into practice. Of course, given the magnitude of the World Cup, everything will be times 10 then.

"We can point to our track record as far back as the 1995 Rugby World Cup and the others that have followed in showing we can secure these major events. As recently as last month we did the job at the IPL which was forced on us at a week's notice after being transferred from India.

"With specific events like the World Cup, the challenge is greater but the principles remain the same. History shows us that crime rates reduce during major events," said Groenewald.

"I am positive New Zealanders, and anyone else, can come to South Africa next year with peace of mind and the confidence of being safe.

"Naturally, it is up to individuals to take responsibility for their own actions. Keep within your groups, don't go off exploring, stay in safe public places and go with your gut feeling. All common sense."

Of concerns expressed this week over the late deployment of stadium-specific security arrangements for the Confederations Cup, Groenewald said that was out of his hands.

"I can't comment too much on that," he said. "The Government is responsible for national security and law enforcement. Securing the stadiums is the responsibility of Fifa and the organising committee.

"Inside stadiums, for matches regarded as normal or non-risk, the security people will deploy one person per every 100 spectators. That will rise to one for 50 for those seen as high-risk. That is the responsibility of the organising committee."

But, determined there will be no problems, Groenewald admitted he will have two "not-visible reaction units" including spotters inside every stadium.

He is determined he will do all in his power to ensure all bases are covered. Everyone now hopes he gets it right.