‘This is unacceptable’ — Cape Town mayor steps in after mosque bomb threat

HIll-Lewis

Cape Town – The Al-Azhar Mosque in District Six has become the focus of a police investigation after receiving a bomb threat via cellphone, warning of an imminent attack and intent to harm worshippers.

The threatening message, received earlier this week, has alarmed local religious leaders, worshippers, and political figures.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis confirmed on Wednesday that his office had contacted the South African Police Service (SAPS) regarding what he termed “a serious case of intimidation”.

“My office has been in contact with SAPS who confirmed they are investigating a case of intimidation related to a bomb threat message issued via cellphone to the Al-Azhar Mosque in District Six.

“I condemn the sinister motives behind this threatening message. 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.

“For generations Capetonians of every faith and creed have lived side by side; and always show kindness, unity and generosity towards one another. Let us all commit ourselves to protecting and defending the best of that history,” he said.

Hill-Lewis noted that the bomb threat at Al-Azhar Mosque marked a second “unacceptable incident”, referencing an earlier case in December 2024 when an explosive device was thrown over the front wall of the Jewish Community Centre in Hatfield Street.

He called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to prioritise both investigations and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

“‘We should all work to reject extremism and zealotry of any sort. We call on all faith communities to stand united in condemning such acts and to use their platforms to preach tolerance in a plural society.”

Political parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), have condemned the threat. In a statement shared on social media, the EFF denounced the intimidation as “an attack on religious freedom and democratic expression,” and expressed solidarity with the Muslim community.

Police have not confirmed the source of the message but say forensic teams are working to trace the origin.

No explosive device has been discovered, and no injuries have been reported.

However, security has been heightened around the mosque as a precaution.

The investigation remains.

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