Cape Town terror-accused teen expected in court
The teen has been charged with the contravention of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities Act.
Five suspected ATM bombers were shot dead by police in Witbank early on Monday morning. Picture: Athlenda Mathe/SAPS
CAPE TOWN - A 16-year-old terror suspect is expected before the Atlantis Magistrate's Court on an alleged plot to attack the Cape Town International Airport and a nightclub in the CBD.
The Hawks believe the minor was recruited by a terrorist organisation.
The teen has been charged with the contravention of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities Act.
The Hawks said in December 2023, they received information that the teen was planning at least two terror attacks in Cape Town.
Investigators believe the 16-year-old was lured and radicalised by a terrorist organisation.
A search and seizure warrant was executed at a house in Melkbosstrand, but no explosive devices were found.
Several electronic devices, including a PlayStation, computer equipment, and a cell phone were seized for analysis.
The Hawks' investigation revealed that the teenager participated in social media chat groups and was recruited to be an extremist.
It was also established that he allegedly recruited another individual to help him destroy a statue at the Melkbosstrand Catholic Church by beheading it and defacing it by spray-painting unfamiliar slogans on it in November 2023.