Gauteng vows zero tolerance for G20 Summit sabotage

Mapaballo Borotho

The Gauteng Provincial Government has warned of zero tolerance for any attempts to disrupt or sabotage the G20 Summit.
Authorities say the vandalism of newly installed infrastructure is a deliberate act to tarnish the country’s image.
Law enforcement has been ordered to hunt down and prosecute those responsible to the full extent of the law.

The Gauteng Provincial Government has made it clear that there will be zero tolerance for any disruption or sabotage of the upcoming G20 Summit, warning that any attempts will be met with a swift and decisive response.

This follows reports of vandalism targeting newly revamped public infrastructure in the City of Johannesburg on the eve of the prestigious international event.

“These mischievous and cowardly acts of vandalism, which include the destruction of newly installed G20 Summit signage near Nasrec by reported armed assailants, and the damage to streetlights and traffic signals along the R55 route, represent a direct assault on our nation and its standing in the world,” said Elijah Mhlanga, spokesperson for the provincial government.

Mhlanga said these acts are not just petty crimes, but a deliberate and malicious campaign aimed at undermining and tarnishing South Africa’s image as it prepares to host global leaders.

“These inexcusable and vindictive actions are aligned and designed to consolidate the work of smear merchants who are promoting outlandish conspiracy theories and a negative narrative about the country. The provincial government views this criminality in a serious light and will respond accordingly.

We remind the perpetrators that this deliberate destruction of essential infrastructure is a severe criminal offence under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act of 2015, which specifically protects such assets, and the perpetrators face the prospect of imprisonment for up to 30 years,” he added.

He further warned that anyone found in possession of stolen infrastructure material will be presumed guilty and must prove their innocence, in line with the reverse onus clauses.

Mhlanga assured that the full and unrelenting might of the law will be brought to bear on all those responsible.

“We are aware that some roguish elements are mobilising to cause chaos, and we are working in full cooperation with all national security structures. We have directed our law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation. We will identify, apprehend, and fully prosecute the perpetrators of this sabotage to the full extent of the law,” he said.