Gauteng police arrest 13 people linked to G20 Leaders Summit violence

THIRTEEN people have been arrested in Gauteng following 14 reported incidents during the G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg, including violent protests and thefts targeting international delegates.

- SIMON MAJADIBODU

The information was disclosed during a post-G20 summit media briefing on Monday, led by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi in Johannesburg. He was joined by several Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs). The summit, held over the weekend, ran from 22 to November 23 at the Nasrec Expo Centre. Lesufi said there were a number of disruptions and crimes reported during the event.

“You all know, South Africans being South Africans, there was no way that we would not have problems,’ Lesufi said. “We can report the following disturbing incidents that happened in our province during this period under review”

He said that there was a theft of cell phones and luggage from delegates representing Vietnam at Checkers Sandton City Mall. Four suspects were immediately arrested.

At DaVinci Hotel, one suspect was arrested for possession of a firearm without proper authorisation.

At Mercure Hotel in Ferndale, police investigated the theft of a firearm from a member of the SAPS, as well as possession of ammunition and negligent loss of a firearm. Two suspects were arrested in connection with these incidents.