Cape Town malls increase security after terror warning

Washington warns of possible terror threat in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

The governments of the US, Britain and Australia have warned of possible Islamist terror attacks at upmarket malls in Cape Town and Johannesburg during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The terror warning, the second to be issued in South Africa in less than a year, has prompted several major Cape Town shopping malls to step up security, while police have increased their presence at the V&A Waterfront complex.

The warning follows public calls by radical Islamic militants to carry out global terrorist attacks during Ramadan, which began at midnight on 6 June.

The US warning refers to tip-offs about terrorism plots targeting American citizens living in South Africa, with high-end shopping malls in Cape Town and Johannesburg identified as potential targets.

Separately, Cape Town’s security officials have introduced 40 safety kiosks in key locations across in the city centre and suburbs. The mobile kiosks, which are staffed by the city council’s law enforcement officers, are located in areas not served by police stations.

The kiosks will allow local communities to report illegal or suspicious activity, as well as the opportunity to have their documents certified by police.