Johannesburg, South Africa — A high-risk security incident occurred on the evening of 21 November when members of the South African Police Service’s elite National Intervention Unit (NIU) shot a suspected hijacker who attempted to commandeer a vehicle tied to the G20 Leaders’ Summit security operations in Johannesburg.
According to official sources, the incident took place along Empire Road when the suspect, acting alone, approached the vehicle occupied by NIU officers and brandished what was later discovered to be a replica firearm. The suspect demanded control of the vehicle, not realising the occupants were specially-trained officers. In response, an NIU officer fired a single shot, wounding the suspect and preventing the hijack.
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the replica gun is prosecuted under the Firearms Control Act 2000 when used during the commission of a crime. The wounded suspect was taken to hospital under police guard and is expected to appear in court on charges of attempted hijacking once medically cleared.
The clash unfolded against the backdrop of record-level security surrounding the G20 Summit at the Nasrec Expo Centre, drawing more than 40 heads of state and senior government officials. Authorities had deployed over 3 500 additional police personnel and activated large-scale operations through the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) to manage threat assessments and secure key routes.
NIU operations and high-visibility patrols continue to run under the umbrella of Operation Shanela, a national crime-prevention initiative aimed at serious and violent offences. Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said the force remains on “high alert” until the conclusion of the Summit.
The incident underscores the elevated risk environment surrounding major international events and highlights how security forces in Johannesburg are prepared to act swiftly in the face of threats. While no delegates were harmed and the Summit proceeded without disruption, the event serves as a reminder of the broader public-safety challenges Johannesburg faces even during high-security periods.
Anyone with additional information relating to this story can contact us through email press@townpress.co.za.
Facebook Comments