Durban – An extra 1000 police officers will be deployed around the city and the province in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Preliminary Draw on Sunday.

Provincial police spokesperson Director Phindile Radebe said on Tuesday that intensive air, foot and vehicle patrols will take place at various points and rapid response teams will be placed at strategic places to deal with any kind of situation.

Additional personnel would be deployed at tourist destinations.

She said that the beefing up of the security measures for the hordes of expected visitors is a culmination of their planning measures which started about two months ago.

Joint plans were put in place between South African Police Services, South African National Defence Force, Metro Police, the Road Traffic Inspectorate, the 2010 Local Organising Committee and certain government departments.

Mr Radebe said while the additional police presence will be placed in various areas throughout the province, the greatest focus will be on Durban.

Some of the sporting and entertainment activities planned for the city are the beach party on Friday evening and the Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates derby on Saturday.

On Sunday – the day of the Preliminary Draw – visitors will be taken on a tour to the 2010 FIFA World Cup Moses Mabhida stadium which is still under construction.

As part of their plans aimed at ensuring a tightened security, Director Radebe said reservists will also be called to supplement the existing policing operations.

“Reservists have already been deployed in the greater Durban area to ensure visibility and their presence is already felt in such areas,” she said. - BuaNews