South Africa responds to US terror alert, assures citizens of safety

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - South Africa has assured its citizens of safety after the US Embassy issued a terror alert on Wednesday.

In a statement, the South African presidency said that the alert “is part of the US government’s standard communication to its citizens.’’

“It is the responsibility of the South African security forces to ensure that all people within our country feel safe,” the statement said.

On Wednesday, the US Embassy issued an alert saying it has received information that terrorists may be planning to conduct an attack targeting large gatherings of people at an unspecified location in the greater Sandton area of Johannesburg on Oct. 29.

Sandton is South Africa’s richest suburb frequented by some of the wealthiest and most influential people in the country.

The US said it did not have further information regarding the timing, method, or target of the potential attack but advised embassy staff to avoid crowds of people and other large public gatherings in Sandton during the weekend.

“Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor for any threats to our citizens, our nation and our sovereignty,” the South African presidency said.

It further stated that threats are assessed continuously and are acted upon to ensure the safety of all.

“Should the need arise; the South African government will be the first to inform the public about any imminent threat,” President Cyril Ramaphosa's office said.