G20 Security Scare

In a dramatic incident amid heightened security for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, members of the police’s elite National Intervention Unit shot a suspected hijacker who targeted an official vehicle in Johannesburg on Friday, 21 November 2025. The man, acting alone and reportedly armed with a toy gun, tried to force officers out of the car but was quickly stopped by the alert team. This event underscores the intense safety measures in place for the high-profile gathering, which kicked off on Saturday, 22 November 2025, at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Gauteng. As world leaders discuss global issues like debt relief and climate action, the focus on security highlights the challenges of hosting such an event in a city known for its crime concerns.
The hijacker’s condition remains unconfirmed, but the swift response by law enforcement prevented any disruption to the summit. With over 40 heads of state and senior officials in attendance, authorities have left nothing to chance, deploying thousands of officers and keeping the military on standby to ensure smooth proceedings.

The Incident Unfolds: A Bold Attempt Foiled by Elite Officers

The confrontation happened when the lone suspect approached the official G20 vehicle occupied by National Intervention Unit officers. Wielding what turned out to be a toy gun, he attempted to hijack the car and eject the occupants. The highly trained unit, known for handling high-risk situations like hijackings and terrorism threats, reacted immediately and shot the man to neutralise the danger.
Police have not released full details, but sources indicate the hijacker was operating solo, with no links to organised crime or protest groups. This quick resolution prevented any harm to the officers or potential escalation near the summit venue. The National Intervention Unit, part of the South African Police Service’s special forces, is often called in for VIP protection and rapid interventions, making them ideal for guarding high-stakes events like the G20.
This kind of bold attempt is rare but reflects Johannesburg’s ongoing struggle with vehicle hijackings, which remain a top crime in the city. In recent months, police have ramped up operations to curb such incidents, especially in hotspots like Soweto and Alexandra, where similar confrontations have occurred.

Heightened Security: A Fortress for World Leaders

The G20 Summit has turned Nasrec into a secure zone, with law enforcement taking no risks. The entire block around the expo centre is cordoned off, with thorough checks on every person and vehicle entering. Police nyalas and officers stand guard at every intersection, creating a visible show of force to deter any threats.
Over 3,500 additional police officers have been deployed specifically for the event, backed by military personnel on high alert. The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure is overseeing the operation, providing daily threat assessments to keep things under control. Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili explained that intelligence teams verify information for quick action, saying, “What the intelligence communities communicate to the joint structure is verified information ready to be operationalised. We do so on a daily basis and will continue until we conclude our operations.”
This setup includes stop-and-searches, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, and high-visibility patrols across all nine provinces as part of Operation Shanela, aimed at tackling serious crimes. The measures extend beyond Nasrec, covering routes to airports and hotels where delegates stay. With leaders like China’s Premier Li Qiang, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in town, the security blanket is designed to protect against everything from hijackings to protests.
Protests have been a concern, with groups calling for action on issues like femicide, unemployment, and climate change. However, so far, no major disruptions have occurred, thanks to the proactive stance of law enforcement.

G20 Context: High Stakes and Global Spotlight on Johannesburg

The summit brings together representatives from 19 countries, the European Union, the African Union, and invited guests, covering 85% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population. Under South Africa’s presidency, the focus is on solidarity, equality, and sustainability, with talks on debt sustainability, just energy transitions, and harnessing critical minerals for growth.
Hosting such an event puts Johannesburg in the global eye, but it also amplifies local challenges like crime. The city has seen a spike in hijackings in recent years, with hotspots in Gauteng accounting for a large share of national cases. Police statistics show over 20,000 vehicle hijackings reported annually in South Africa, often involving armed suspects. The use of a toy gun in this case is unusual but not unheard of, as criminals sometimes rely on replicas to intimidate without escalating to real violence.
Despite the incident, the summit proceeded smoothly, with no breaches reported. This reflects the effectiveness of the security plan, which includes intelligence monitoring throughout the precinct to spot and stop threats early.

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G20

G20 Security Scare: Police Shoot Hijacker Targeting Official Vehicle in Johannesburg

G20 Security Scare

The Incident Unfolds: A Bold Attempt Foiled by Elite Officers

Heightened Security: A Fortress for World Leaders

G20 Context: High Stakes and Global Spotlight on Johannesburg

centralnewsza #news #politics #ngwathe #feziledabi #freestate

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