We’re ready for them, Lesufi warns criminals ahead of G20 summit

GAUTENG Premier Panyaza Lesufi has declared the province ready and prepared to host the G20 Leaders' Summit despite a string of recent violent crimes in the province.

Lesufi sent a strong warning to criminals who are planning to disrupt the gathering, saying they will regret their decision as his administration has a comprehensive plan to deal with them.

Addressing the media on the province's state of readiness for the two-day summit at the Nasrec Expo Centre on November 22 and 23, Lesufi said enough measures have been taken to improve certain areas of concern to ensure a crime-free and safer province for international travellers to return to South Africa beyond the summit.

The much-anticipated gathering, which will be held under the theme "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability", is expected to host no less than 20 heads of state and other prominent travellers.

"We know areas of deep concern, and we have used some meetings building up to the summit as dry runs. We have a good grasp of this area of concern, but we do not doubt our state of readiness... We want to say to the chance takers and those who are planning to disrupt us to dare us, because we are ready for them," he said.

The province has invested in state-of-the-art security, which will ensure that world leaders and international guests are safe at all times. Lesufi said intergovernmental law enforcement agencies will be on standby to ensure the safe travel of international delegates.

"In terms of safety, the SAPS is working in full coordination with other agencies, has robust plans in place that we have adopted to make sure Gauteng is safe. Our delegates will be escorted by some of these units, which will be deployed across all our ports of entry as part of a comprehensive strategy that will ensure that our main airports and fire blades operate at an elevated level." 

Lesufi said the G20 Summit represents not just an economic opportunity, but also a chance to foster international relationships and promote cultural exchange.

“Our major hotels are almost full, and this will bring our economy to a better level and a vibrant atmosphere that reflects what Gauteng is known for," he said.

Speaking on police preparedness in ensuring a crime-free summit, Gauteng Deputy Police Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana, confirmed the breakthrough made by his team in apprehending a suspect linked to the Reiger Park mass shooting incident this week.

"We are not in slumberland, and we are not folding our arms as law enforcement agencies. We continue to push and work hard in apprehending suspects," Kekana said.

Cape Times