A 16-year-old with links to a terrorist organisation was arrested on Thursday by the multi-disciplinary intelligence led operational team
Image: File
A Cape Town teen arrested for allegedly planning an attack on the Cape Town International Airport and Mavericks Night Club, has been released into the care of his parents following a brief court appearance on Thursday.
The Hawks said the 16-year-old with links to a terrorist organisation was arrested on Thursday by the multi-disciplinary intelligence led operational team. This included the Hawks' Crimes Against The State (CATS), Western Cape National Intervention Unit, Western Cape Bomb Disposal Unit and Western Cape K9 Unit for contravention of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities Act (POCDATARA) and Malicious Damage to Property.
The arrest followed after the team executed a search and seizure warrant in Melkbosstrand on December 6, 2023.
During the search, no explosive devices were found or any traces thereof detected.
Several electronic devices, including a playstation, four gaming consoles, computer equipment, and a cellular telephone were seized for analysis, said Hawks spokesperson Siyabulela Vukubi.
“During the investigation, it was established that he participated in social media chat groups and was recruited to be an extremist. It was also established that the minor allegedly recruited another individual to assist him and during November 2023, he destroyed the Statue of Mary at the Melkbosstrand Catholic Church by beheading and spray painting it with unfamiliar slogans.”
He said the matter was then referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions in Cape Town for decision and thereafter sent to the National Director of Public Prosecutions for the issuing of a POCDATARA certificate, which was subsequently issued on March 6.
“The suspect made a brief appearance at the Atlantis Magistrates Court (Children's Court) on 27 March 2025 and was released in the care of his parents. The matter was postponed to 28 March 2025 for legal representation,” said Vukubi.
Cape Times