Lesufi highlights G20 security challenges as province boosts anti-crime measures

Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, says that while the G20 Leaders’ Summit, has been celebrated as a major success for the province, it unfolded under a backdrop of criminal incidents, significant operational spending, and renewed calls for tougher anti-crime intervention ahead of next year’s local government elections.

– International guests targeted during G20 weekend –

Lesufi revealed that several international visitors were targeted by criminals during the summit at the weekend.

Briefing the media on Tuesday, Lesufi said police arrested four suspects after a group of Vietnamese tourists was robbed.

Officers also detained several people found with unlicensed firearms at hotels across the province.

One of the most alarming incidents involved two Brazilian pilots who were allegedly forced to walk from Sandton to Kempton Park after a dispute between their e-hailing driver and two women who had joined the ride.

Lesufi added that police made more than 1,000 arrests during the G20 period, including stopping an attempted hijacking of a police vehicle—carried out using a toy gun.

The police confirmed that 1,799 people were arrested between 17 and 20 November, including suspects wanted for infrastructure vandalism and serious crimes such as theft, kidnapping, intimidation and extortion.
Around 1,075 of the arrests were for contact crimes, including assault, rape, murder, attempted murder and house robberies.

– 13 arrests linked to G20 transgressions, Operation Dudula members included –

Gauteng police arrested 13 people directly linked to G20-related offences, including two Operation Dudula members detained for trespassing at the Nasrec Expo Centre.

The group had been protesting, arguing that government should prioritise South Africa’s domestic challenges over the G20 agenda. A standoff with police left one officer injured and hospitalised.

While outlining security challenges, Lesufi also highlighted the economic benefits of hosting world leaders, saying hotels, airlines and malls saw a surge in visitor numbers.

However, he suggested that some individuals deliberately attempted to undermine the province’s G20 preparations.

“Unfortunately, during this period, it was quite clear that there was a clear team that was hell-bent to destroy, vandalise some of the state installations during this period with an intention of projecting a picture of a failed state. Even though a majority of these people were arrested, it is quite clear that there were some people that were not happy that we are hosting this important event in our province.”

The Premier acknowledged the logistical challenges but emphasised that Gauteng ultimately demonstrated its capability to the world.

– Province plans its own Political Killings Task Team –

Lesufi confirmed today that Gauteng is engaging law enforcement to establish a specialised unit similar to the Political Killings Task Team operating in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

The unit will prioritise killings involving ward councillors, taxi operators and local politicians.

With local government elections nearing, Lesufi said Gauteng has recorded at least 15 councillor assassinations in recent years.

He also expressed concern about a rise in targeted killings within the education sector, following last week’s murder of a principal and clerk at Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa.

“We are now seeing a very disturbing trend of educators or principals or teachers within the schooling environment. So even though the title might be political killings, but to us it’s these killings that develop a certain format. That we want the provincial commissioner to work on it. We shared exchange notes. He will expatiate on it. But it’s an area that we need in our province,” Lesufi said.

Lesufi said many “cold cases” should be reopened and thoroughly reinvestigated.

– G20 operational costs reach R17 million for Gauteng Police –

Almost R17 million was spent on police overtime, vehicles and operational requirements during the summit.
Lesufi said Cabinet did not approve additional funds, insisting the summit fell within Gauteng’s normal operational responsibilities.

Nationally, government allocated R131.3 million across departments to support the G20 presidency. Lesufi estimated the summit may have generated between R1 billion and R3 billion in potential investment for Gauteng. Final figures will be released once all departments submit their reports.

He added that the province will continue revitalising communities — including townships and hostels — even after international delegates have left.

National G20 spending breakdown

R5 million – Energy Transitions Working Group venues and facilities

R10 million – G20 Social Summit

R5.7 million – Leaders’ Summit

R10 million – Home Affairs transfer to the Border Management Authority

R100 million – DIRCO support for the Leaders’ Summit

R15.72 million – Funds redirected from Presidency departmental savings

[IN PICTURES]: Post-G20 media briefing at the @GPLegislature. Premier gave a report on the highlights and benefits as host province and the work that went into successfully hosting an event of this magnitude in Gauteng. pic.twitter.com/t8XR9mYFYE

— Gauteng Provincial Gov (@GautengProvince) November 25, 2025

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe