‘We will deal with you’ NatJoints warns criminals after attempted hijacking of G20 vehicle
NatJoints has issued a sharp, warning to criminals and those who want to test security measures in place for the G20 leaders in Johannesburg.
Image: Supplied.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints) has issued a sharp, warning to criminals and those who want to test security measures in place for the G20 leaders in Johannesburg, saying they will deal decisively with any criminal element.
This is after a hijacker was shot and arrested during an attempted hijacking of a vehicle assigned to the summit in Johannesburg on Friday night.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), members of the National Intervention Unit (NIU) were on routine patrol in a G20-designated vehicle along Empire Road near Nasrec on November 21, 2025, when the suspect emerged from the roadside and aimed what appeared to be a firearm at the driver.
"The assailant is believed to have intended to seize the high-level security vehicle, unaware that its occupants were heavily armed NIU officers," said police spokesperson Brigadier Atlenda Mathe.
"In an instant response, an NIU member fired a single shot, striking the suspect in the upper body and neutralising the threat.
"Officers immediately secured the scene, where it was later determined that the weapon pointed at them was an imitation firearm."
The wounded suspect was transported to the hospital under police guard.
"He will appear in court on an attempted hijacking charge."
Police emphasised that under the Firearms Control Act, an imitation firearm used to intimidate or commit a crime is legally treated as a genuine weapon—making the suspect’s actions criminally prosecutable.
NatJoints said the incident underscores both the scale of the security operation underway and its zero-tolerance stance.
The structure reiterated that all law-enforcement agencies are operating at maximum readiness to safeguard the summit, protect delegates, and ensure stability across Johannesburg.
Thus far, NatJoints said it was satisfied with the “uncompromising” security measures in place, urging the public to cooperate and warning that any criminal activity during the G20 period will be met with swift, decisive action.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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