The Gauteng government has expressed concern over the vandalism of G20 Leaders’ Summit signage and the revamped infrastructure across the City of Johannesburg.
According to the government, these malicious acts are coordinated and executed on the eve of the Summit, which will be held at the Nasrec Expo Centre in two weeks.
The provincial government spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga, has described the damages as sabotage.
“These mischievous and cowardly acts of vandalism, which include the destruction of newly installed G20 Summit signage near Nasrec by reported armed assailants and the damage to streetlights and traffic signals along the R55 route, represent a direct assault on our nation and its standing in the world.
This is not petty crime, but it’s a deliberate and malicious campaign of sabotage, designed to undermine and tarnish the image of our province and country as we prepare to welcome global leaders.
These inexcusable and vindictive actions are aligned and designed to consolidate the work of smear merchants who are promoting outlandish conspiracy theories and a certain negative narrative about the country,” said Mhlanga.
He warned that the government views these acts in a serious light and will respond accordingly.
“We remind the perpetrators that this deliberate destruction of essential infrastructure is a severe criminal offence under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act of 2015, which specifically protects such assets, and the perpetrators face the prospect of imprisonment for up to 30 years.
Additionally, anyone discovered in possession of stolen infrastructure material will be assumed guilty and must prove their innocence due to reverse onus clauses.
The full and unrelenting might of the law will be brought to bear on all those found to be responsible,” warned the spokesperson.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi echoed Mhlanga’s comments, adding that the government will not allow actions of a few people to jeopardise the Summit.
“We are aware that some roguish elements are mobilising to cause chaos, and we are working in full cooperation with all national security structures.
We have directed our law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation.
We will identify, apprehend, and fully prosecute the perpetrators of this sabotage to the full extent of the law,” said Lesufi.
Furthermore, Lesufi emphasized that the province is “ready, capable, and proud to host this landmark event, and will ensure a safe, secure, and successful G20 Leaders’ Summit that showcases the best of South Africa.”
