The dry run, which included the temporary closure of major roads in Johannesburg on Saturday morning, was designed to help law enforcement agencies assess their readiness to manage traffic, security and emergency responses during the high-profile gathering.
According to officials, the exercise formed part of a wider coordinated security plan involving multiple agencies at the national, provincial and municipal levels.
City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Spokesperson Xolani Fihla said the rehearsal was essential for ensuring seamless operations during the summit. “We have a contingency plan when it comes to boots on the ground and our manpower as well,” he said.
“As we know, when it comes to the actual summit and operations leading towards the event, it is a joint, coordinated effort with various law enforcement agencies. So, as the JMPD, we do have extra manpower to continue with day-to-day enforcement and service delivery within the City of Johannesburg.”
Authorities say the exercise will help refine their approach in the days leading up to the arrival of global leaders, with further checks expected before the summit begins.
–SABC/ChannelAfrica–
