ANC beefs up security after mob storms into EC conference venue

The eighth ANC Eastern Cape conference currently underway in East London has taken a new shape with an intense police presence.

As early as 6am this morning, the ICC which is the host venue, underwent a detailed security surveillance by SAPS assisted by the highly-skilled members of the VIP protection unit.

The security detail is commanded by provincial Police Commissioner Major-General Liziwe Ntshinga.

This comes after a group of people claiming to be the legitimate delegates to the conference burst open the security entrance at the venue last night.

The disruptive group was singing-pro provincial chair Phumulo Masualle songs.

They came in just as the Nelson Mandela Bay regional chairman Andile Lungisa was about to do a television interview.

ANC provincial spokesman Mlibo Qoboshiyane confirmed that indeed numbers inside were more than those of delegates that were expected.

"This may have been causes by some branches who did not return the tags that had been confirmed as nullified, " said Qoboshiyane.

"The verification report addendum arrived pretty late and that could have been a reason that last night the conference saw a larger group."

Qoboshiyane further admitted that the ANC yesterday had underestimated the need for tight security as they had to consider the hotel's obligation to comfortably house other guests that are not part of conference, but have since made arrangements with the ICC management.