Police probe bomb threat at Al-Azhar Masjied in District Six

Police are investigating a bomb threat made against a mosque in Cape Town.

The threat was made to the Al-Azhar Masjied in District Six over the weekend.

Police probe

Cape Town police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said they are investigating the incident.

“Cape Town Central police registered an intimidation case for investigation following an incident on Sunday, 04 May 2025, in which a message was sent via cellular telephone about a bomb threat. 

“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and no arrests have been made,” Twigg said.

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Threat condemned

Meanwhile, Africa4Palestine and the Al Quds Foundation have condemned the bomb threat against Al-Azhar Masjied.

“This cowardly act of intimidation, directed at a revered place of worship and community hub, comes in the wake of a peaceful march organised as part of the Week4Palestine (which is endorsed by over 100 organisations) over the weekend.

“We stand in unwavering solidarity with the Al-Azhar Masjied and the broader District Six community in the face of this unconscionable threat,” the organisations said.

‘Beacon of faith’

The organisations said the Al-Azhar Masjied is a “beacon of faith, education, and unity” in Cape Town, embodying the resilient spirit of a community that has endured historical injustices.

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“This threat not only jeopardizes the safety of worshippers but also seeks to undermine the fundamental rights to freedom of religion, expression, and peaceful assembly.”

Police intervention

Africa4Palestine and the Al Quds Foundation have written to the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, to request an urgent meeting and to request that police launch an immediate and thorough investigation to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Provide enhanced security measures at Al-Azhar Masjied and other religious institutions to ensure the safety of all communities. Engage with community leaders to address public concerns and foster unity against acts of violence and division.

“Africa4Palestine and Al Quds Foundation unequivocally reject all forms of violence, intimidation, and hatred. We will not be intimidated for supporting Palestine, and we will not hesitate to stand in solidarity with Al-Azhar Mosque should there be any escalation,” they said.

Bomb threat

Last year, the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa (Jusa) − Council of Muslim Theologians of South Africa raised concerns after explosive devices were thrown onto the property of a mosque in Durban.

Although it was not yet known what the explosive devices were meant for, Jusa said it smacked of “hate and Islamophobia with the intention of causing harm”.

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