Sandton businesses on alert following terrorism warning
Businesses at Sandton City mall are on alert following a notification by the United States Embassy in South Africa on Wednesday (26 October) warning of a potential terrorist attack in the city.
“The US government has received information that terrorists may be planning to conduct an attack targeting large gatherings of people at an unspecified location in the greater Sandton area of Johannesburg, South Africa, on 29 October,” the embassy said in the statement.
“There is no further information regarding the timing, method, or target of the potential attack.”
The embassy advised its staff to avoid crowds of people and other large public gatherings in the specified area over the coming weekend.
Following the statement, the South African government said that it noted the terror alert, saying it is part of the US government’s standard communication to its citizens.
“It is the responsibility of the South African security forces to ensure that all people within our country feel safe. Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor for any threats to our citizens, our nation and our sovereignty,” it said.
The presidency said that threats are assessed continuously and are acted upon to ensure the safety of all. However, it downplayed any immediate danger.
“Should the need arise; the South African government will be the first to inform the public about any imminent threat,” it said.
The UK embassy in South Africa updated its travel advice for its citizens following the alert, saying that they should stay away from crowds and large public gatherings in the Sandton area on the dates identified in the alert.
Businesses in Sandton, meanwhile, said they are also monitoring the situation.
Liberty Two Degrees, which has Sandton City in its portfolio, issued an alert to shareholders on Thursday (27 October) saying that businesses are trading as normal.
“Shareholders are advised that L2D is aware of the notification by the US Embassy in South Africa of a possible terrorist attack in the greater Sandton area, planned for the 29th and the 30th of October 2022,” it said.
“The safety of all our shoppers, tenants, service providers and stakeholders is of paramount importance. In partnership with the authorities, we are actively monitoring the situation and have appropriate security measures in place in and around Sandton City, which includes Nelson Mandela Square, offices, hotels and the Sandton Convention Centre.”
Citing unnamed sources within the intelligence community, News24 reported that potential targets for the terrorist attacks include gay pride events, a two-week theatre show staged by Jewish comedian Nik Rabinowitz, and peace talks between warring Ethiopian parties currently underway.
Seven individuals aligned to the Islamic State (ISIS) have reportedly been identified.
Read: US embassy warns that Joburg’s richest suburb could be terror target
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