Durban, South Africa | Security around the 46th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit in Durban remains on high alert after three foreign nationals were arrested in separate incidents for allegedly attempting to gain unauthorised access to the high-profile gathering of regional leaders.
The arrests were confirmed by the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), which is overseeing security operations for the summit being held at Durban’s International Convention Centre (ICC). The incidents have highlighted the extensive security measures in place as heads of state, senior government officials, diplomats and delegates from across Southern Africa gather for the annual summit.
According to NATJOINTS, two Congolese nationals were arrested on Saturday, 15 August 2026, after allegedly attempting to enter the summit venue using accreditation that had been issued to another person. Security personnel reportedly detected the irregularity at an access-control point when the identities of the individuals did not match the accreditation credentials they presented. The pair were immediately stopped and arrested before gaining access to the restricted area.
The two suspects are expected to face charges including fraud, impersonation and contravention of the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act, which regulates access to designated venues and protected events. Authorities said investigations are continuing to determine how the accreditation was obtained and whether additional individuals may have been involved.
The latest arrests followed an earlier incident involving a Zimbabwean national who was detained earlier in the week after allegedly attempting to obtain summit accreditation by presenting himself as a performing artist. Investigators later established that the individual was allegedly in South Africa illegally. He is facing immigration-related charges.
The three arrests bring the total number of people detained in connection with alleged attempts to bypass the summit’s accreditation and access-control system to three. Authorities have not released the names of the suspects, citing ongoing investigations.
The SADC Summit is one of the most important political gatherings on the African continent, bringing together leaders from member states to discuss regional economic integration, trade, security cooperation, infrastructure development, migration and other strategic priorities. South Africa is hosting the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit at a time when the region is facing significant challenges, including security concerns in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, economic pressures and climate-related issues.
Security planning for the summit began months before delegates arrived in Durban. NATJOINTS, SAPS, intelligence structures, metro police, traffic authorities and specialised security units have been deployed throughout the city. Road closures, access-control points, surveillance systems and specialised response teams have been put in place to protect delegates and ensure the event proceeds without disruption.
Authorities have issued a stern warning against the misuse, sharing, lending or falsification of accreditation cards. Officials stressed that only properly accredited individuals will be allowed access to summit venues and that anyone attempting to circumvent security procedures will face criminal prosecution.
NATJOINTS has also confirmed that it is aware of planned marches and demonstrations in and around Durban during the summit period. While authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting the constitutional right to peaceful protest, they have warned that any attempt to disrupt summit proceedings, breach security zones or engage in criminal conduct will be dealt with decisively.
The arrests are being viewed as an indication that the summit’s security systems are functioning as intended. Security officials maintain that the measures currently in place are designed to detect and prevent threats before they reach delegates or restricted areas.
As regional leaders continue their meetings in Durban, law enforcement agencies are expected to maintain heightened security operations until the conclusion of the summit.
