A bold car thief was hurt on Friday night, 21 November 2025, after a tried car theft on a car for the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg.
The event took place while the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) National Intervention Unit (NIU) was on patrol along Empire Road.
The thief ran onto the road and pointed what looked like a gun at the car driver. He did not know that the car had NIU officers inside. One officer shot once and hit the thief in the upper body.
It was later found that the thief had a fake gun. He was taken to the hospital under police watch and will face a tried car theft charge in court when he is well.
G20 Vehicle Security Measures SAPS said that a fake gun is treated as a gun if used in a crime. The Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000) says that having a fake gun with a plan to do a crime, or pointing a thing that looks like a gun, is a crime.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) warned that all police groups will act fast against anyone trying to break security rules. The quick act shows that the plans to keep the G20 safe work well.
NATJOINTS said they are happy with the strong security to keep the summit safe. The group said patrols and fast action by NIU officers helped stop the problem from getting worse.
The hurt thief stays in the hospital under police watch. The police will bring charges when he is well enough to go to court.
The event shows how watchful NIU officers are and why being ready is key in big world events. SAPS keeps an eye on main roads and cars linked to the G20 for strange activity.
SAPS asks the public to tell them about any crime or threat to cars and people linked to the summit. Police said that trying to test security rules will get a fast and firm response.
