Security specialist arrested for bypassing G20 security protocols at Nasrec

A security specialist has been arrested for bypassing G20 security protocols at Nasrec in the south of Johannesburg.

It’s understood the operations director of a security firm was attempting to prove that South Africa doesn’t have sufficient measures in place for the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit.

The man was arrested on Monday for trespassing.

South Africa assumed the G20 presidency at the end of 2024, making it the first African nation to chair the bloc of developed and developing economies.

Johannesburg will hold the final meeting of global leaders, closing out the year-long presidency in November.

Heads of state from the G20 countries will meet at Nasrec to deliberate on the key policy points.

This includes inclusive economic growth, the debt crisis in emerging markets, geopolitical tensions and climate change.

High level security measures are already being put in place for the leaders’ summit.

Deputy government spokesperson William Baloyi said the attempt to test the security protocols has backfired.

“His stunt at Nasrec was an attempt at proving his falsehood that South Africa’s security apparatus were not ready to secure the forthcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit. [His] arrest is a clear demonstration that the law enforcement agencies are more than ready to ensure the security of all delegates to the G20 Leaders’ Summit.”

Baloyi said since taking over the G20 presidency, South Africa has already hosted more than 130 preparatory meetings without any incident.

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