Pretoria - Tight security measures have been put in place for the World Cup match between the United States and Algeria at Loftus this afternoon.
Police spokesperson Vish Naidoo told BuaNews that crime prevention and traffic law enforcement operations had been intensified and a stadium "lock-down" implemented.
Only permitted residents are allowed around the stadium, said Naidoo who could not go into detail about police deployment, for security reasons.
"All I can say is that we are determined to make sure that all fans can enjoy all the games in safety," he said.
City officials who have also partnered with the police say they will apply a zero tolerance approach against any crime, as done with previous games.
"A zero tolerance against crime, unruly fans and spectators will be maintained throughout the city, park n rides, park n walk, fields fan fest, public viewing areas and at the stadium venue," said the city's 2010 unit CEO Godfrey Nkwane.
This match is a crucial one for the Americans. Their fate will be determined when they face Algeria in a match which will determine if they make it to the next Round of 16.
Meanwhile, US media reports indicate that former President Bill Clinton will attend the match to cheer on the US team.
Clinton, who was named honorary chair of the committee to bring the FIFA World Cup to the United States in 2018 or 2022, will then proceed to Tanzania and Malawi to check on humanitarian and education projects launched there by his foundation.
Meanwhile, the city said traffic-free zones have already been put in place around Loftus Stadium. A complete lock-down was implemented at 10h00.
The following interactions are already closed: Park/Hill; Park/Orient; Park/Eastwood; Park/Ayton; Ivy/Brecker; Jorissen/Walton James; Walton James/University; University/Lynnwood; and University/Burnett.
The city will provide three park-and-rides facilities which are at UNISA, LC De Villiers Grounds at the University of Pretoria, and the Rugby Sports Grounds on Totius Street in Brooklyn.
Fans from Johannesburg, Midrand, Ekurhuleni and the north-west and west of the City (Atteridgeville, Mabopane, Soshanguve, and Rustenburg) are encouraged to use the UNISA park-and-ride.
Those from the eastern suburbs of the city are encouraged to use the Rugby Union Sports Grounds. Fans from the north (Hammanskraal and Limpopo) and east (Mamelodi, Eerterus and Mpumalanga) must use the LC De Villiers Sports Grounds.
"The city will provide busses to shuttle people to the stadium. All park-and-rides are free. The bus shuttle is also free. Fans are required to produce their match tickets for the park-and-rides," said City spokesman Console Tleane.
A park-and-walk facility will be based at the Pretoria Technical High School sport fields on Wessel Street. Pretoria High School for Girls next to Loftus on Park Street, will serve as parking space for people with disabilities. Those using the latter venue should use the Hill Street entrance. The park-and-walk will also be free.
