Two Congolese Nationals Granted Bail Over Unauthorised SADC Summit Access

DURBAN – Two Congolese nationals accused of bypassing tight security controls at the SADC Summit in Durban have been granted R10,000 bail each by the Durban Magistrate’s Court.

This is after the duo allegedly attempted to gain entry to the Summit venue using accreditation issued to another person.

Tshibindi Mukendi and Tombisa Ngangu face charges of fraud, trespassing and contravening the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act.

Their case comes amid strict security measures for the Summit, with authorities warning that accreditation was personal and non-transferable and that anyone without valid credentials would be denied access.

The pair allegedly attempted to enter the Summit venue using accreditation issued to another person.

ALSO READ: NATJOINTS Puts SADC Summit Security On High Alert, Warns Disruption Will Not Be Tolerated

Their arrest comes against the backdrop of strict security measures announced ahead of the 46th SADC Summit, which was held in Durban on 16 and 17 August.

Authorities had warned that access to the Summit would be tightly controlled.

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) issued a clear message: “No accreditation, no access.”

NATJOINTS chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili warned that accreditation issued to one person could not be exchanged, lent, borrowed, or shared with another individual.

Anyone found doing so could be removed from the controlled area and face legal action.

The warning followed the arrest of a Zimbabwean national who allegedly attempted to obtain Summit accreditation by presenting himself as a performing artist but could not produce valid supporting documentation.

Mukendi and Ngangu have been released on strict bail conditions. They have been ordered to report to Brooklyn Police Station in Pretoria every Friday and surrender their passports to the state.

They will remain on bail until their next court appearance on 1 October.