SA's counter-terrorism strategy must be revisited: expert
A terrorism expert believes the knife attack at the Mosque in Ottawa, near Verulam, and the subsequent discovery of a bomb on the premises has revealed a flaw in South Africa's counter-terrorism strategy.
Tensions among local residents, who are now living in fear, and worshippers at the mosque have emerged in recent days.
Director at the Terrorism Research and Analysis Consortium, Jasmine Opperman says it's because there's a lack of mechanisms to maintain social cohesion.
"This is where a counter-terrorism strategy goes far beyond law and order. It is the ability to maintain cohesion within the community with the co-operation of local and religious leaders. And because they We don't have that comprehensive strategy," he said.
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Opperman says without such a strategy, we risk becoming vulnerable.
"If this divide keeps on growing based on perception - we are opening up South Africa for propaganda campaigns by extremists groups like the Islamic State," he said.
34-year-old Abbas Essop was killed and two others were injured in a knife attack at the mosque this past week. Residents from nearby homes were on Sunday evacuated after an explosive device was discovered and removed from the place of worship.
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