The US embassy has rung an alarm of a possible terrorist attack in the greater Sandton area in Johannesburg.
In a security alert, the embassy advised people to avoid crowded areas and other large public gatherings in the area on Saturday and Sunday.
Reads the alert: “The US government 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, South Africa, on 29 October 2022.
“There is no further information regarding the timing, method, or target of the potential attack. The US embassy has advised staff to avoid crowds of people and other large public gatherings in the greater Sandton area of Johannesburg during the weekend of 29-30 October 2022.”
The lack of detail in the alert has caused panic across Johannesburg with some people saying it has caused “unnecessary panic.” The US embassy was not immediately available to shed more details on the alert.
A statement from the presidency said it “notes” the alert by the US embassy. “This 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. Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor for any threats to our citizens, our nation and our sovereignty. 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,” the statement reads.
Meanwhile, the highly anticipated 33rd Pride Parade celebration is set to take place in Sandton at the weekend after a two-year hiatus. The lack of detail in the alert has led to some people to suspect the event which draws thousands of people might be the target.
The official Johannesburg Pride March is scheduled to kick off from the Pride Village at 2pm and guide those in attendance through the streets of Sandton. It is not clear what effects the attack alert will have on the Pride Parade.
In a terse statement on its social media accounts, Johannesburg Pride March team said they were aware of the alert by the US embassy and would release a statement soon.
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