A warning threat of a bombing and harm to worshippers sent to Al-Azhar Masjid in District Six has sent shockwaves through the religious community.
Leaders of the masjid received the disturbing message in Arabic via WhatsApp on Sunday 4 May.
Decorated with murals and flags in solidarity with Palestine, the masjid (mosque) has reiterated its firm support for the Palestinian cause.
The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) of South Africa has condemned the threat, describing it as alarming.
Sheikh Riad Fataar, MJC president, said: “This is something that is alarming. We are not specialists in the field, and neither are the people in the mosque. So it’s always a great concern when you get things like that.
“This is a fearful thing because when you stand in a mosque your back is towards the door and you don’t know what is happening behind you.”
He said the MJC will not be silenced on what is happening in Gaza.
“If this is an attempt to shut us up because of what is happening in Gaza and Palestine this is definitely not going to work. It will not get us to stop. This is not the way to go.”
Sgt Wesley Twigg, provincial police spokesperson, said Cape Town Central police had registered an intimidation case for investigation following the incident.
“A message was sent via cellular telephone about a bomb threat. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and no arrests have been made.”
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis condemned the threat, the second such incident in recent months.
“This is a second unacceptable incident after an explosive device was thrown over the front wall of the Jewish Community Centre in Hatfield Street in December 2024. We call on the police to prioritise these investigations to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”
He called on everyone to reject extremism and zealotry, and said faith communities should unite in condemning such acts and to use their platforms to preach tolerance in a plural society.
“Cape Town is a city of peace-loving people, where differences of faith and opinion are expressed loudly and fully, but always peacefully. Our city has a long and proud history of being a safe city for people of all religions to live and express their faith and traditions.”
JP Smith, Mayco member Safety and Security, said the City was actively supporting the investigation at the request of police,
“Including through our Safety and Security Investigative Unit [SSIU] and K9 Unit. I have further referred this incident to Disaster Risk Management [DRM] and the SSIU in terms of our joint Safer Places of Worship project.”
