Attack on Johannesburg concert-goers bound to become a political football

This is my question and answer session with Radio France International

Johannesburg Metropolitan police  have made seven arrests following attacks on concert goers leaving an event marking the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela.

Scores of people were robbed of mobile phones, wallets and handbags by youths who attacked people desperate to get away from the iconic FNB stadium in Johannesburg, built to host the 2010 Football World Cup.

Many were assaulted and stabbed.

Police Minister Bheki Cele refused to accept criticism for the failure of the South African Police Service to protect people leaving the event.

Faced with outraged social media reaction, police have sought DSTV footage from a petrol station near the stadium where many of the attacks took place.

Question one

Who was responsible to security at the stadium?

First and foremost the South African National Police Service. They were nowhere to be seen when youth waiting at a petrol station near the stadium made several forays into the crowd of people waiting for lifts and taxis. The robbers armed with knives acted with impu

Question two

How did Police Minister Bheki Cele try to exonerate his members?

He said the SAPS cannot be blamed for people not organizing taxis. Security outside the stadium  is the responsibility of the concern organizers, he says 

Question three

Has there been any reaction from senior police  officers?

SANPS spokesman Vish Naidoo says there were police outside the stadium. He denies that police left the venue immediately the concert ended.

Question four

This was clearly a massive event. Who was on the bill?

Beyoncé, Ed Sherren, Eddie Vedder, Jay-Z and Usher

Question five 

Is it impossible to control people attending  events at the stadium?

There have been no reports of such attacks on people leaving football; matches. There were, however, incidents  of mugging and assaults following the Guns ’n Roses Concert at FNB stadium three days earlier .

Question six

Will this impact on the elections approaching in South Africa next year?

Since Johannesburg falls under control of the Democratic Alliance, it is bound to become a political football. The municipal police and not the national police acted immediately and made arrests. Lawlessness is a major preoccupation of urban voters so this is bound to come up at the hustings.