The United States (US) Embassy issued a security alert to its citizens visiting and residing in South Africa about a possible terrorist attack in Sandton, Johannesburg.
UPDATE: The UK Embassy also released a notice warning British travellers to “stay away from crowds of people and other large public gatherings in the greater Sandton area of Johannesburg during the weekend of 29-30 October 2022.“
UPDATE: The Sandton Community Policing Forum released a statement noting the security alert issued by the US Embassy. Sandton CPF stated that while they are aware of rumblings of a planned terrorist attack on social media, “no official information has been received from the South African Police Service or any official government sources as yet.”
“Sandton CPF will continue to monitor for valid updates and will share any official alerts accordingly,” the group wrote.
Sandton terrorist attack: When is it planned to take place?
The embassy released the notice on Wednesday, revealing that the US government has received intelligence about terrorists who may be on the verge of launching an attack on an unspecified location “in the greater Sandton area.”
At this time, no information is available on what terrorist group is behind the planned assault. However, the intelligence obtained by the US government indicates that large gatherings in the greater Sandton area are at risk of being targeted on Saturday, 29 October 2022.
“There is no further information regarding the timing, method, or target of the potential attack,” the US embassy indicated.
American citizens and holidaymakers have been warned “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 South African police have yet to issue a public statement on the Sandton terrorist attack.
Large gatherings to avoid in Sandton this weekend
South Africans planning to attend large gatherings will want to heed the warning issued by the US Embassy on Wednesday.
While the greater Johannesburg region is a hotbed of fun and entertainment on weekends, one of the massive events expected to attract thousands of fans is the Soweto Derby taking place at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, 29 October 2022, at 15:30.
Orlando Pirates’ home fixture against Kaizer Chiefs will be the first in front of a full-capacity crowd since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the anticipation of the 2022 DStv Premiership blockbuster fixture at fever pitch, this is one of the large gatherings South Africans and US citizens will want to avoid at all costs.
Another mass gathering taking place in and around Sandton this weekend is the Johannesburg Pride event.
The annual LGBTQIA+ event will take place on Rivonia Road, between Sandton Drive and Fifth Street. As reported by the Sandton Chronicle, attendees are expected to arrive at 11:00 on Saturday, 29 October 2022, with the event scheduled to start at noon.
No new updates have surfaced on whether Johannesburg Pride is taking place, in light of the security alert.
This is a developing story.