By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The US embassy has issued a security alert and warned its staff about a “possible terrorist attack” in greater Sandton planned for the weekend.
In an advisory, published on Wednesday, the embassy said it had received “information that terrorists may be planning to conduct an attack targeting large gatherings of people” in Sandton.
“There is no further information regarding the timing, method, or target of the potential attack,” the alert read.
It further advised staff to avoid crowds of people and other large public gatherings in the greater Sandton during the weekend of 29-30 October 2022.
Earlier this month, the embassy issued a security alert to US citizens planning to visit the Kruger National Park.
This follows the murder of German tourist Joerg Schnarr on Numbi road, outside the Kruger National Park, last week.
“Due to an increase in crime”, the US embassy has urged tourists to avoid Numbi Gate and instead use either the Paul Kruger or Phabeni gates when entering and leaving the park.
You can read the alert on this link: https://za.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-embassy-possible-attack/.
Many of the biggest companies in South Africa, including financial services group FirstRand Ltd, chemicals company Sasol, insurer Discovery Ltd, Bank of America Corp, Citigroup Inc, law firms and international auditing firms such as EY have their headquarters in Sandton. There is also a multi-faceted retail space in the suburb, which attracts crowds of tourists and locals on weekends.
Meanwhile government said it “noted” the warning of a threat issued by the US Embassy about possible terror attacks targeting large gatherings at an unspecified location in Sandton.
“It is the responsibility of the South African security forces to ensure that all people within our country feel safe. We are working hard at keeping our nation and her people safe,” it said.
“We continue to monitor for threats to our citizens, nation, and sovereignty. Threats are assessed continuously and are acted upon to ensure the safety of all.”
The government said it would urgently inform South Africans of immediate threats, should the need arise.