G20 banners line the entrance of the Nasrec Expo Centre, where SAPS has designated specific protest zones and warned motorists to expect heavy traffic disruptions during the summit.. Picture Credit: Daily Dispatch
By Aisha Zardad
Johannesburg – The South African Police Service (SAPS) says protest action during this weekend’s G20 Leaders’ Summit at the Nasrec Expo Centre, south of Johannesburg, will be strictly confined to designated demonstration zones.
This forms part of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure’s (NATJOINTS) security plan, outlined during a Thursday media briefing on the country’s state of readiness ahead of the high-level gathering. Several civil society organisations are expected to stage demonstrations throughout the summit.
Deputy National Commissioner for Policing, Tebello Mosikidi, said law enforcement will act decisively against anyone who attempts to disrupt proceedings or violate the approved protest conditions.
“Designated speakers’ corners around the vicinity of Nasrec have been identified for this purpose. We will therefore not allow any disruptions or acts of lawlessness, including the damaging or defacing of G20 infrastructure,” she said. “All law enforcement agencies deployed to secure the event will enforce the law at all times, on all routes used by delegates, at accommodation sites and around the venue.”
Motorists travelling near the Nasrec precinct have been urged to brace for major delays. A series of temporary road closures will affect key highways throughout the weekend as international delegations move between venues.
Mosikidi said restricted routes will include sections of the N1, N12, R21, N3, R24 and the M1. “When convoys are moving, roads will be closed off completely and movement by road users, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists will be limited. Roads will reopen as soon as convoys pass through.”
