Do I have to follow instructions from stewards, security and police?
Rule- South Africa
- SASREA
- Act 2 of 2010
- Stadium safety
- Professional sport
- Spectators
- All ages
- 2010
- Fans
What stewards do (s4(4)(b)): marshal and oversee the safe flow of spectators, give event and safety information, usher, and help with emergency evacuation. Stewards and volunteers may not do security work unless they are registered security officers (s4(7)).
What the law makes an offence (s44(1)(n)-(o)):
- failing to comply with a lawful request or directive from a police official
- hindering, interfering with or obstructing a police official, private security, an access control officer, a peace officer, a member of the planning committee, emergency or essential services staff, or a municipal official doing their job
Both carry a fine and/or up to 20 years' imprisonment. Obstructing the SAPS authorised member or VOC commander carries up to 10 years.
Access control officers can refuse you entry or ask you to leave if you refuse a lawful search or appear intoxicated or under the influence of a prohibited substance (s20(6)). They must display an accreditation card showing their appointment (s20(5)).
Added 21 Oct 2026