By Kouthar Sambo
A Mosque in Durban alleged an attempted terrorist attack on Monday. This comes after the South African Police Service (SAPS) bomb disposal unit confirmed there was an attempt to plant and detonate a significant amount of explosive material.
Speaking on VOC’s PM Drive show on Tuesday, the Trustee of Durban North Masjid, Mr Yusuf Desai, said the matter is of “huge concern” due to the calculating nature attached to the situation.
“Why would somebody take the time to assort 40 meters of wiring, knowing full well this is a public space unless the perpetrator wants to do real damage,” remarked Desai.
“We therefore concur that this is a terrorist/Islamophobic attack.”
According to Desai, the Durban North area is predominantly white, though, he grapples to understand why someone would go out of their way to impose such danger on a Mosque that has added community value.
“The perpetrator is unaware of the contributions that the Mosque has made to the community. For instance, when looting took place, the Mosque was used as a security center to protect people, both Muslim or non-Muslim., to the point where they were chuffed how they were treated,” stressed Desai.
“We find it strange because we have a cordial relationship with the community at large. The community themselves are perplexed because they are calling in to apologize about what happened.”
Authorities are currently reviewing footage from the Mosque and security company cameras, said Desai, and the Mosque now has heightened security measures.
“We are urging anyone with information on or motives behind the bombing attempt, or who may have been in the vicinity during the incident, to contact law enforcement or the Mosque directly. Efforts to apprehend those responsible will be relentless and thorough,” asserted Desai.
Meanwhile, police in Greenwood Park told VOC News they are investigating a case of illegal possession of explosives.
“The suspects were on Kenneth Kaunda Road when they were interrupted by a security vehicle that was patrolling the area. The suspects fled and threw the devices into the Mosque premises. The security officer saw what happened and found the devices inside the mosque premises,” detailed the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker.
“He immediately suspected that it was explosive devices and contacted the necessary authorities who in turn contacted police. Police Bomb Technicians confirmed that it was homemade explosive devices that consisted of commercial explosives,” Clarified Naicker.
According to Naicker, the devices were not set up to explode but it is suspected that the men were disturbed by the security officer.
Furthermore, investigations to locate the suspects are ongoing.
*This is still a developing story
Photo: Supplied
