Government angry at handling of terror alert
JOBURG – Government unhappy with the manner in which the alerts about South Africa were handled.
Following the recent terror alert issued by the US Embassy, the South African government has come out to voice their dissatisfaction about the manner in which the matter was handled.
In a statement released by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the government said it takes the threat of violent extremism and terrorism very seriously. “It is a global phenomenon that no nation can claim immunity from,” read the statement.
The government has firmly stated that it rejects attempts by foreign countries to influence, manipulate or control the country’s counter-terrorism work. “We reject attempts to generate perceptions of government ineptitude, alarmist impressions and public hysteria on the basis of a questionable single source,” read the statement.
“The information provided as a basis for the latest terror alerts on South Africa has been found to be very sketchy. On closer examination, we have found the information to be dubious, unsubstantiated and provided by a ‘walk-in’ source based on questionable conclusions.”
By the same token, the government said it is fully capable of securing the country, protecting its people and taking care of the safety of foreign citizens on their soil. “We expect foreign embassies on our soil to follow the correct channels when communicating matters of such nature,” read the statement.
Read: Sandton City on high alert following terror threat
To this end, the South African government has officially registered its displeasure with the manner in which the matter was handled. According to the statement, South Africa values the political, economic and social ties with these countries and will approach any discussion within the spirit of cooperation and international solidarity.
The government mentioned that as part of their work, their security agencies are in constant liaison with foreign intelligence services represented in South Africa. According to the statement, their work includes information exchanges on threats presented by violent extremism and terrorism.
The statement said, South Africa, as a sovereign peace-loving country, has always adopted a professional manner in engaging with other countries on these issues. “We are, therefore, displeased with the manner in which some countries have reciprocated. Their actions have been disingenuous and a cause for serious concern to our government,” read the statement.
“Government wishes to reiterate that the security of all people in South Africa remains its top priority. The security services will continue to remain vigilant at all times. Should the need arise, the South African government will be the first to inform the public about any imminent threat.”
