Terror threat for SA?

SOUTH Africa’s security and stability could be threatened by its citizens who are fighting alongside insurgents from the terrorist organisation ISIS in Mozambique.

Martin Ewi, from the Institute for Security Studies, said when these people returned home it could signal the potential for similar actions to be initiated here. “Most often these individuals are radicalised to the peak. They have very low tolerance and seem to regard violence as a solution to every problem.”

Ewi called on the government to embark on a comprehensive study to determine the level of threat posed by terrorist organisations that have a presence in South Africa.

Ewi also warned that the country could face pressure from the UN Security Council if last week’s sanctions imposed on four local men who were allegedly members of ISIS, were not taken seriously.

Durban-based Farhad Hoomer, Capetonian Siraaj Miller, Ethiopian Abdella Hussein Abadigga and Tanzanian Peter Charles Mbaga, who are all living in the South Africa, were identified as designated individuals by the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

It’s alleged the men played a role in facilitating the transfer of funds from the top of the ISIS hierarchy to branches across Africa. As designated individuals, their property, assets and entities owned directly or indirectly must be blocked and reported to OFAC, while US entities and persons are prohibited from transacting with them.

Ewi said OFAC could take the matter to the UN Security Council (UNSC), which meant the South African Government would be compelled to act against these men. “Usually when blacklisted by the US, the UN panel will follow suit.”

If the South African Government believed in the OFAC process then it could go after the individuals and prosecute them, he said. “Blacklisting shouldn’t just be a political statement; it should be a red flag. We need to have our own records of these individuals and solid investigations to unearth what is happening,” said Ewi.

Hoomer, a businessman from Overport who deals in cars as well as gold and diamonds, told POST that he was shocked and appalled by the US’ unilateral decision to impose sanctions on him. “I’ve never been convicted of any crime whatsoever, therefore no country has the right to sanction a person without evidence or due process.”

Hoomer and 10 other men were arrested on terror-related charges in October 2018 following an attack on a Verulam Shia mosque. One person, Abbas Essop, died.

They were also accused of planting incendiary devices around Durban. The charges were struck off the roll because the State was not ready to take the matter to trial and was denied a further postponement.

Hoomer said he and the 10 other “victims” were now suing the government for R156 million.

Further unlawful actions by the government, acting in cahoots with the US, would only increase his claim for damages, he said.

Brian E Nelson, The Under Secretary of the US Treasury, said: “Treasury is taking this action to disrupt and expose key ISIS supporters who exploit South Africa’s financial system to facilitate funding for ISIS branches and networks across Africa.”

In a joint statement, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, and Justice Minister Ronald Lamola said SA authorities were investigating the matter and engaging with US authorities on the OFAC designation.

“As a Financial Action Task Force member, South Africa is committed to counter money laundering and terrorism financing, and will ensure full adherence to international commitments.”