NIU
1Min
South Africa
Nov 22, 2025
A suspected carjacker was shot and wounded when the National Intervention Unit stopped an attempted hijacking of a vehicle allocated to the G20 Leaders Summit. Police say the suspect pointed an imitation firearm at officers during patrols on Empire Road and will face an attempted hijacking charge once medically cleared.
Security operations surrounding the G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg intensified on Friday night after the National Intervention Unit (NIU) foiled a suspected hijacker who attempted to seize a vehicle allocated to the summit. The incident took place as South Africa enforces heightened security measures for the high level gathering at the Nasrec Expo Centre.
According to the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, the attempted hijacking happened while National Intervention Unit members were conducting routine patrols in a G20 assigned vehicle along Empire Road. A man allegedly jumped into the road and pointed what appeared to be a firearm at the driver. The suspect did not know the occupants were specialised officers deployed to secure the summit.
One of the officers fired a single shot that wounded the suspect in the upper body. Police later established that the firearm used in the attempt was an imitation gun. The suspect was taken to hospital under police guard and will face an attempted hijacking charge when he is declared fit to appear in court.
Police reminded the public that the use of an imitation firearm during a crime is treated as a criminal offence. The Firearms Control Act makes it an offence to possess a replica firearm with the intent to commit a crime or to point any object that may reasonably be perceived as a firearm.
SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the incident underlines the level of vigilance that security agencies are maintaining as global leaders arrive for the summit. She warned that law enforcement will act firmly against anyone attempting to undermine the security operations in place.
Mathe said the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure is satisfied with the uncompromising security posture around the G20 Leaders Summit. Police visibility has been significantly increased across major routes, hotels, summit venues and designated transport corridors to ensure that the event proceeds without disruption.
Security around the main venue remains tightened as the summit progresses, with police vehicles stationed at nearly every point.
