DURBAN – Three people have been arrested for trying to gain entry into the venue of the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit in Durban.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) confirmed the arrest, saying only those with valid, authorised and properly issued accreditation would be permitted access to the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC).
“Two Congolese nationals were arrested on Saturday, 15 August 2026, after attempting to gain entry to the summit venue using accreditation that had not been issued to them and belonged to another person. The suspects were detected at an access-control point when their identities did not correspond with the accreditation presented and were immediately arrested.
“The two Congolese nationals face charges of fraud, impersonation and contravention of the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act 2 of 2010, relating to entering a designated area without authorisation. Their identities and the circumstances surrounding the attempted access remain subject to further investigation.
“Earlier this week, a Zimbabwean national was also arrested after allegedly attempting to obtain accreditation under the guise of being a performing artist in an effort to gain access to the summit venue.
“The Zimbabwean national faces a charge relating to being illegally in the Republic of South Africa,” police said in a statement.
NATJOINTS said it is “fully aware” of plans for marches and other public gatherings in and around Durban during the summit period. Security and law-enforcement plans are in place to manage these activities.
“Those participating in marches and gatherings are urged to comply with the law and instructions issued by law-enforcement officers.”