Police boost presence at Polokwane World Cup venue, can take over security in case of strike

Police boost presence at Polokwane World Cup venue

POLOKWANE, South Africa — Police have boosted their presence at Peter Mokaba Stadium amid concerns that stadium security guards might join colleagues at other World Cup venues who went on strike this week following a pay dispute with a contractor.

Limpopo police spokesman Col. Motlafela Mojapelo said Friday that “we definitely have a Plan B at hand if there would be a strike.” He said police were prepared to take control of security if needed for the tournament’s last two matches at the stadium next week.

Police have taken responsibility for stadium security at venues in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and Port Elizabeth since stewards began protests Sunday night.