World Cup 2010 South Africa Raising Alarming Security Questions
With the 2010 World Cup fast approaching, government in South Africa is frantically trying to secure cities like Johannesburg in preparation for the arrival of the World Cup and its fans. With over 50 homicides a day, gunpoint car jackings, and other forms of crime, the government is facing a big task in order to properly prepare for the masses. That’s why they’re calling in outside help in the form of an Israeli security expert.
South Africa-born Israeli security expert Marc Kahlberg was hired by the South Africa government to provide insight on policing how-to and to help prepare security for the World Cup. Kahlberg’s credentials include a stint in the South Africa military before becoming and Israeli Police officer and head of the Netanya Tourist police during Palestine’s 2002 suicide-bombing campaign.
“The police in South Africa are working hard,” Kahlberg said. “Over 50,000 cops have been directed to secure the World Cup - that’s thousands more than the sum total of Israel’s entire police force. There is money being invested in training new manpower, technology and a very professional and dedicated command level. It will take a generation of education to reduce the violent crime.”
The government plans to secure particular areas and outline them as “tourist safe” areas of visit. Other defense firms have pitched into the security effort as well including Bet Alfa Technologies and Elbit Systems Ltd. Regardless of their efforts, this is a huge undertaking and tourists should be particularly careful when visiting South Africa.
(Via The Jersualem Post)
