Fears of SA terror attack after massive weapon cache found in Johannesburg
A large weapons cache recently discovered in a Randburg has sparked fears of possible terrorist attacks in South Africa.
The weapons were discovered by contractors in a dilapidated building basement in the residential suburb of Ferndale. Noting a suspicious bag, the workers contacted local police who confirmed that bag included 60 mortar bombs, seven rifles (AK47s and R5s), 12 revolvers and several pistols.
In addition to several unnamed items, police spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed that the cache also contained numerous homemade weapons, and that the firearms had their serial numbers had been filed off.
While Masondo indicated that the bombs were likely used to commit crime, he noted that police couldn’t rule out a terrorism link, confirming that there was one suicide bomb vest contained in the cache.
You can see images of the cache here.
Analysts believe that an ISIS attack within South African borders is just a matter of time, following raised tensions caused by Donald Trump’s anti-Islamic sentiments and an increasing number of known terrorists trying to enter the country over the past 3 months.
Institute for Security Studies (ISS) counter-terrorism researcher Martin Ewi said that the group was trying to determine exactly what business interests Trump has in South Africa, which could possibly be seen as a target.
“Trump’s very hard-line approach was good for Isis to justify its activity. What this means is that some of the reports (that we get) say (Isis) will go for Trump’s investments in South Africa.”
“It’s just a matter of whether it materialises today or tomorrow,” Ewi said.
Read: ISIS attack in South Africa “just a matter of time” analysts warn
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