Extra safety measures in place for Scorpion Kings concert at FNB Stadium

Additional safety and emergency transport measures have been put in place for the Scorpion Kings concert at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg today, Saturday, 19 September 2026, with organisers and authorities focusing on the safety of women and other vulnerable patrons leaving the venue after the event.

The concert gates open at 12pm, with performances scheduled from 2pm to 11pm.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie initiated the additional intervention following concerns about the safety of patrons who may remain around the stadium while waiting for e-hailing services, public transport or lifts home after the concert.

The measures are being implemented in partnership with Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA), the South African Police Service, Gauteng Traffic Police, emergency services, the appointed Safety Officer and other event safety role-players.

McKenzie said the additional measures are intended to strengthen the existing event safety and security plan, particularly during the period after the concert when the stadium precinct begins to clear.

“The abduction and murder of our women and young girls demands more from us than outrage after another life has been lost. It demands that we look at where women may be vulnerable and act before something happens rather than mourn afterwards,” McKenzie said.

He said women attending the concert should be able to enjoy the event without having to compromise their safety when travelling home.

Additional security and transport

Under the supplementary safety plan, two clearly marked, well-lit and secured Safety Assembly Areas will be available for patrons waiting for transport.

An additional 85 security officers will be deployed specifically for the initiative, over and above the security personnel already assigned to the event.

Four dedicated patrol vehicles will continuously monitor the surrounding precinct and assist women and other patrons who may find themselves waiting in isolated or unsafe areas.

Gauteng Traffic Police vehicles will also be stationed at the Safety Assembly Areas to increase visibility and provide an additional layer of deterrence.

Authorities will also facilitate the controlled movement of women away from isolated pedestrian routes towards protected areas.

A total of 20 emergency transport vehicles, each with a dedicated driver, will be available from 10pm on Saturday until 6am on Sunday.

The additional security deployment will remain in place until the precinct has been declared clear and safe by the SAPS Authorised Member.

Emergency transport safety net

The emergency transport service is intended as a safety net for women and other vulnerable patrons who are genuinely stranded or unable to secure safe transport home.

Patrons who use the emergency transport service will be required to provide basic identification, contact and destination details necessary for the safe administration of their journey.

Passenger registers, journey controls and safeguarding measures will be used as part of the service.

McKenzie stressed that the intervention is not a replacement for the approved event security plan and is not intended to operate as a free shuttle service.

“This is an additional layer of protection for women and other vulnerable patrons who may genuinely find themselves stranded or waiting in an unsafe area,” he said.

The approved event safety and security plan was scrutinised by the Event Safety and Security Planning Committee and includes coordinated deployments involving SAPS, traffic and emergency services, SMSA, the appointed Safety Officer and accredited private security providers.

The Scorpion Kings concert takes place at FNB Stadium today, with gates opening at 12pm and the concert running from 2pm until 11pm.