Police in South Africa (SA) conducted a raid and arrested a kidnapping syndicate that was hiding in Kliprivier house in Johannesburg that was suspected of used as a fundraising avenue for the Islamic State. The raid led to the arrest of five foreign nationals who have links to ISIS and is termed as a fundamental breakthrough in the fight against terrorism.
The raid has been prompted by a threat issued by ISIS against SA in the event they chose to provide military support to Mozambique which Is fighting ISCAP in the restive northern province of Cabo Delgado. Intelligence indicates that SA has been prepping troops that would go to back up their Mozambican counterparts once President Nyusi requested assistance from SA.
The five suspects, including a Somali and an Ethiopian, are linked to the case in KwaZulu-Natal where Farhad Hoomer and 11 other men, including foreigners, were charged with terrorism, murder, attempted murder, extortion and arson in 2018. The charges arose from a fatal attack on a Verulam mosque and the setting off of cell phone-triggered pipe-bombs there and across Durban.
Additionally, ISIS material like flags and propaganda material used to possibly indoctrinate new members were recovered in the raid. Police also recovered foreign military uniforms, several firearms including two AK-47 rifles, one Uzi submachine gun, two pump-action shotguns and several handguns, some of which were buried in the garden. Kidnapping and extortion for money were part of the modus operandi of both the Durban and Johannesburg groups. The police affidavit in the Hoomer case said the group extorted money from Durban businesses to fund their efforts.
While intelligence appeared scarce on the ISIS cells in SA it was clear that the threat by the terror organization is imminent and ought not be taken lightly especially as they use extortions and kidnappings to fund their activities. Whereas there isn’t a clear link between the arrested suspects and ISCAP in Mozambique CT teams in both countries should build towards bridging the intelligence gaps that can be blind-spots and can allow for attacks both in Mozambique and SA.
