The Hawks, in collaboration with other law enforcement units, have arrested a 49-year-old suspect in connection with a series of bomb threats in Bellville.
Story Summary:
- A 49-year-old man was arrested for making bomb threats targeting Bellville government buildings and public areas.
- The Hawks tracked the suspect through his cellphone, leading to a raid and the seizure of evidence.
- The suspect faces charges under South Africa’s anti-terrorism laws and is set to appear in court.
Man behind Bellville bomb threats arrested
The arrest follows an intensive investigation after threats were made on Monday, 11 November 2024, targeting prominent locations including the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Transnet Building in Bellville South, and the Bellville Taxi Rank.
According to Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi, the suspect allegedly made multiple calls to the Bellville SAPS Community Service Centre and a toll-free Road Traffic Emergency number, claiming that explosive devices had been planted at the sites.
The threats led to significant disruptions as authorities conducted sweeps of the named locations to ensure public safety.
How the suspect was caught
The Hawks’ Crimes Against the State team, supported by Western Cape Crime Intelligence, the Special Task Force, and the SAPS Bomb Disposal Unit, swiftly launched an investigation.
Using advanced forensic techniques, they identified a cellphone linked to the threats.
Further analysis revealed that the number was transferred to another handset shortly after the calls were made, which helped narrow down the suspect.
On Friday, 15 November, a search and seizure operation in Mamre led to the arrest of the suspect and the confiscation of several items believed to be connected to the case.
The suspect has been charged under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorism and Related Activities Act.
This law imposes severe penalties for acts that disrupt public safety or threaten democratic processes.
Making false bomb threats carries significant legal consequences.
In addition to facing terrorism-related charges, perpetrators may also be held accountable for costs incurred during emergency responses. The penalties include hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences.
Hawks provincial head Major General Makgato issued a stern warning:
“These reckless and negligent acts will not be tolerated. Perpetrators will face the full might of the law.”
The suspect is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 18 November 2024.
