A case of intimidation was registered after a bomb threat at Al-Azhar Mosque in Cape Town. Image: Facebook
CAPE TOWN – The Al Azhar Mosque, located in Cape Town’s historic District Six, has been targeted by a bomb threat, received on the evening of Sunday, 4 May 2025. The message, sent via WhatsApp from a fake profile purportedly based in Miami, Florida, USA, warned of a planned bombing and an intent to kill congregants. This alarming incident has occurred while the mosque is prominently displaying murals and flags in solidarity with Palestine, a position it has vowed to maintain despite the intimidation.
In an official statement, the mosque’s committee emphasised that “the safety of all Musalees is our top priority.” They have urged everyone, including those attending other mosques, to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
Ighsaan Higgins, Public Relations Officer for the Al Azhar Mosque, confirmed to VOC News that the matter was immediately reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS), who have assured it will receive the “highest priority.” Higgins added, “We are taking this extremely seriously, as it constitutes a terrorist threat.” Precautionary measures have been taken to tighten security at the mosque.
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Sergeant Wesley Twigg, a Western Cape police spokesperson, confirmed that an intimidation case has been registered for investigation following the bomb threat, as reported by IOL. No arrests have been made as investigations continue.
“Cape Town Central police registered an intimidation case for investigation following an incident on Sunday, 04 May 2025, in which a message was sent via cellular telephone about a bomb threat,” he said. “The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and no arrests have been made.”
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) vehemently condemned the threat. Usuf Chikte, PSC coordinator, stated, “These acts form part of a disturbing trend aimed at intimidating and silencing those who stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and speak out against the ongoing genocide in Gaza”.
Echoing the condemnation, Al Jama-ah party leader, Ganief Hendricks, who is also the Deputy Minister of Social Development, stated, “The threat to bomb the mosque is an act of supporting the Zionist Israeli entity… Any support for Israel is support for apartheid and thus a crime against humanity:,
This threat against the Al Azhar Mosque, founded in 1887, is not seen in isolation. It resonates with the heightened global focus on the genocide in Gaza and the widespread accusations of human rights violations, which fuel pro-Palestinian activism globally and locally.
The PSC has called upon Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith, and Western Cape Premier Alan Winde to publicly denounce the threats. They also urged law enforcement agencies to implement comprehensive measures to protect communities. Despite the alarming incident, the mosque committee has reaffirmed its “unconditional support for the people of Palestine”.
