Two Congolese nationals have been arrested after allegedly attempting to enter the venue of the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit in Durban using accreditation issued to another person.
The arrests were made on Saturday at an access control point after the suspects’ identities failed to correspond with the accreditation documents they presented.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, known as NatJoints, said three people had been arrested in connection with attempts to gain unauthorised access to the summit venue. 
The two Congolese nationals face charges of fraud, impersonation and contravening the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act 2 of 2010, which prohibits unauthorised entry into designated areas.
Their identities and the circumstances surrounding the attempted access remain under investigation.
Earlier in the week, a Zimbabwean national was also arrested after allegedly trying to obtain SADC accreditation by claiming to be a performing artist. The accreditation was reportedly intended to facilitate access to the summit venue.
The Zimbabwean national faces a charge related to being illegally in South Africa.
NatJoints has warned that the exchange, lending, sharing, falsification or misuse of SADC accreditation will not be tolerated. It also warned against attempts to access the summit venue without proper authorisation.
“No person should attempt to test the security arrangements around the summit. Security measures implemented by NatJoints are comprehensive and designed to detect and prevent attempts to compromise the safety and security of delegates, Heads of State, government officials, accredited participants and members of the public,” said NatJoints.
Meanwhile, anti illegal migration groups, including the March and March movement, are reportedly planning to protest outside the International Convention Centre in Durban.
The groups are calling on regional leaders to address undocumented migration in the Southern African region.
NatJoints said security and law enforcement measures had been put in place to manage the planned activities.
“NatJoints respects the constitutional right to protest peacefully and lawfully. However, there will be no tolerance for criminality, violence, intimidation, threats, destruction of property, attempts to breach restricted areas or any deliberate effort to disrupt the proceedings of the summit,” it said.
“Those participating in marches and gatherings are urged to comply with the law and instructions issued by law enforcement officers. NatJoints will not allow individuals or groups to exploit legitimate gatherings as a means of undermining the safety, security and integrity of the summit.”
