South African malls have reportedly stepped up security measures in light of the warning, but Cummings says that his company has recorded more than 400 armed robberies of South African shops over the course of 24 months-a sign that there are holes in the country’s security services.
Advertisement
Harvey continued, “We have been and continue to be impressed with the high level of professionalism and transparent co-operation with the government of South Africa throughout this period”.
State Security Minister David Mahlobo earlier said that South African security agencies were working with the relevant authorities to keep citizens safe. For the U.S. and United Kingdom embassies, the démarche, where the foreign representatives were summoned and told about SA’s displeasure, took place on Wednesday, with Dirco expecting to meet Australia on Thursday.
Experts said that although the warnings appeared to be unusually detailed and based on credible information, the risk remained low.
Brian Dube, speaking for State Security, said that at this stage they are not in a position to reveal the intelligence now being investigated.
With news of possible terror attacks, Twitter has been set ablaze.
“South Africa, as a sovereign peace loving country, has always adopted a professional manner in engaging with other countries on these issues”.
“We can not comment on the internal communications process within the South African government”.
South Africa has lashed out at the USA after a State Department warning that terror groups are planning attacks in South Africa’s biggest cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg. “Our security officials should be able to prevent any of the potential attacks”, said Ewi.
Opperman went on to stress that “there is simply no indication of Islamic State cell structure presence or planned attacks” in South Africa.
Islamist militants on the continent do use South Africa as a logistical and financial hub but not as an “operational base”, said Cummings. “Far too many times people have lost their lives because of such and other claims”.
Isis, which is under pressure militarily in Iraq and Syria, has called on supporters to mount strikes during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which starts this week. “[IS] does not represent Islam or the global Muslim community”, said Malick.
Advertisement
The Ministry said these are “attempts to generate public hysteria”. “In a place like the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, tourists can’t be subjected to the airport-type search of all their luggage and themselves”.
