Security beefed up for Aussies in view of war

South African security forces are keeping a close watch on the Australian cricket team in view of possible threats to the players because of their country’s strong support for the war on Iraq.

Though security would be stepped up anyway for World Cup final between India and Australia as South African President Thabo Mbeki would be attending, police said additional measures were also being taken.

“Australia’s involvement in the conflict is being taken into consideration,” Ben van Deventer, the director of police and member of the Cricket World Cup Security Directorate, was today quoted as saying in The Age.