On Saturday the United States embassy said it had received information that terrorist groups were planning to carry out attacks in South Africa during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The warning said attacks may target sites frequented by US citizens, including high-end shopping areas and malls in the economic hub of Johannesburg and Cape Town, which is popular with tourists.
The British government issued a similar advisory.
"There is a high threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners such as shopping areas in Johannesburg and Cape Town," the British government said in a statement posted on its website.
As a result the Australian government updated its travel advisory for South Africa, saying: "The US government issued a terrorism alert to its citizens in South Africa on 4 June, 2016.
"The warning notes that 'the government has received information that terrorist groups are planning to carry out near-term attacks against places where US citizens congregate in South Africa, such as upscale shopping areas and malls in Johannesburg and Cape Town'.
"Be particularly vigilant in areas frequented by foreigners at this time. The level of this advice has not changed. We continue to advise Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in South Africa."
State Security Minister David Mahlobo on Monday assured South Africans that there is no immediate danger and no need to fear an Islamic terror attack.
Mahlobo said in a statement: “It is the responsibility of the South African security forces to ensure that all people within our territory are and feel safe.
“We remain a strong and stable democratic country and there is no immediate danger posed by the alert.”
He added the security services have liaised with the Americans on the concerns they have‚ adding “these engagements will continue as part of the ongoing work”.
“The security services will continue to work on matters of violent extremism and terrorism amongst others and ensure the safety of all citizens and residents.”
Timeslive
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