JMPD on high alert as Gauteng braces for protests ahead of G20

Mapaballo Borotho

JMPD is on high alert as multiple protests are expected in Gauteng ahead of the G20 Summit.
Various gatherings have been approved, including an Umkhonto Wesizwe march from Alexandra.
The provincial government warns it will prosecute anyone who attempts to disrupt the summit or damage infrastructure.

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) is on high alert as several demonstrations are expected to take place on Friday and during the G20 weekend.

South Africa is gearing up to host more than forty officials from different countries, where leaders will hold economic discussions during the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

Several officials have already landed at the OR Tambo International Airport, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

JMPD’s Xolani Fihla says they have received applications for several gatherings starting tomorrow and throughout the weekend.

Some are scheduled to take place on Saturday around the Nasrec area, where the Leaders’ Summit is being held.

Jacob Zuma’s Umkhonto Wesizwe is also expected to march from Alexandra on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Gauteng Provincial Government has vowed to prosecute anyone who plans to sabotage the G20 weekend, whether it’s through violent protests or damage to the newly erected infrastructure.

There have also been reports of vandalism targeting the newly revamped public infrastructure in Johannesburg.