Growing number of South Africans associating with terrorists – minister

Johannesburg – There are a growing number of South Africans associating themselves with terrorist organisations, Minister of State Security David Mahlobo told Parliament last week.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Mahlobo said he told Parliament that terrorist groups have been evolving in terms of their motivations, financing and support mechanisms. 

He said methods of attack and choice of targets were constantly changing.

“This is done through the use of new and sophisticated recruitment tactics and funding methods, as well as attempts at gaining and controlling territory,” he said.

He said efforts would be undertaken to identify South African citizens who wanted to join terrorist groups.

Mahlobo said they would work with certain communities to "curb radicalisation and recruitment of our young people on false ideology".

The minister assured South Africans that despite the persistent global terrorism threat, the country would remain relatively stable.