The US embassy in Pretoria has warned that terrorist groups are planning “near-term” attacks in upscale shopping malls in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Embassy spokeswoman Cynthia Harvey said the embassy had issued a security message on Saturday to US citizens “warning them that the US government has received information that terrorist groups are planning to carry out near-term attacks against places where US citizens congregate in South Africa, such as upscale shopping areas and malls in Johannesburg and Cape Town”.
“Protection of US citizens overseas is among our top priorities. When we receive specific, credible, non-counterable threat information it is our worldwide policy for US embassies and consulates to share the information.
“We are co-operating with local authorities, as we do in any investigation into terrorist threats around the world.”
But South African officials were sceptical. Clayton Monyela, spokesman for the department of international relations and co-operation, tweeted that “the last advisory by @USEbassySA to US Citizens warning of an ‘imminent attack’ was a false alarm. I see there’s another 1”.
This referred to a similar warning last September.
US Ambassador Patrick Gastard replied to Monyela’s tweet to say “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance and through Grace we are all made safe. The only false note is arrogance”.
Monyela replied in turn “you know my views on these advisories and the panic they cause”.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
