POLICE said making a hoax bomb threat is a crime.
This after a hoax message starting circulating, claiming there was a bomb at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane on Sunday, 12 November 2023.
Cops said the bomb threat was a false alarm. They said the photo which was making the rounds was of a service provider who was contracted to supply and display pyrotechnics (fireworks) displays at the end of the Mamelodi Sundowns game.
National police spokeswoman Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said: "In the video, the man is seen accompanied by the South African Police Service officers as he is busy setting up these devices."
According to the police, Starburst Pyrotechnics, a professional fireworks display company, was appointed by the management of the league to shoot pyrotechnics and confetti for the winner of the finals.
"It has come to our attention that spectators, who attended the African Football League finals match between Mamelodi Sundowns FC and Wydad Casablanca at Loftus Stadium, has posted some fake news," read a statement from the company.
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Starburst Pyrotechnics said unfortunately individuals are posting without applying common sense nor verifying information with the correct authorities before posting on social media. All permits were issued, and all safety and police authorities were notified.
"The authorities were notified, and they explained to the individuals but unfortunately, even after this fact, they have not removed the post from their social accounts. And with a little common sense applied, I'm sure anyone would know that a real terrorists would want to hide bombs," read the statement.
"I hope after this incident, more of the public know what professional pyrotechnics looks like and hopefully spread more publicity for the industry and less fake news."
Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi also said: “It was a false alarm. The person is part of the technician team and had accreditation and a permit, which was verified by the explosive unit."
Sundowns beat Waydad Casablanca 3-2 on aggregate, pocketing R73 million and becoming the first African team to win the first ever CAF African Football League on Sunday, 12 November.
