The Al-Azhar mosque in District Six received a bomb threat on Sunday May 4.
Image: Wesley Ford
The Al-Azhar Mosque in Hanover Street, District Six, is taking precautions to keep their members safe after they received a bomb threat on Sunday, May 4.
According to public relations officer, Attorney Igshaan Higgins, the mosque received the threat on Sunday afternoon through a WhatsApp message that was in Arabic from an American identified cellphone number. “The clear motive for this threat is still unknown,” he says.
Cape Town Central police station commander Colonel Natasha Thomas says they can confirm that this incident was reported to the police. “ A criminal case of intimidation was registered at Cape Town Central and has been transferred to Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Detectives,” she says. No arrests have been made yet.
According to a statement released by Al-Azhar Mosque executive member, Baadir Gamieldien on Tuesday May 6, the mosque has taken precautions to keep their members safe. “We urge everyone, including all who are attending other mosques, to be extra vigilant and stay aware of your surroundings. Please report all suspicious activities and persons to the relevant members of your mosque, as well as the authorities,” he says.
The Al-Azhar mosque has affirmed their continued support for the plight of the Palestinians. “We ask our God to grant the people of Palestine, as well as all oppressed people around the globe, ease from the cruelty and plight they have to endure at the hands of their occupiers and their allies, and bestow triumph and victory upon them,” says Mr Gamieldien.
Muslim Judicial Council president Sheikh Riad Fataar says they are concerned and hope that Law Enforcement and the police will do a thorough investigation. “We are alerting all mosques in the community to be vigilant, though we do also understand that not many of them may have the financial capacity to employ additional security.”
Sheik Fataar says the Muslim community is deeply concerned by this threat but will not back down and will continue peaceful protests in support of the plight of the Palestinians and the hardship being experienced on the Gaza Strip.
Ward 77 councillor Francine Higham said: "I am deeply concerned by the reported threat against the Al-Azhar Mosque in District Six. Such acts of intimidation have no place in our society. I welcome the swift action taken by the authorities to investigate this matter with the seriousness it deserves."
Colonel Thomas says any information pertaining to the matter can be reported to Crime Stop at 08600 10111.