Cape Town – A 16-year-old boy from Melkbosstrand has been arrested by the Hawks' Crimes Against the State (CATS) unit for allegedly plotting an extremist attack on Cape Town International Airport and Mavericks Night Club. The arrest follows a months-long investigation that began in December 2023 after authorities received information about a minor allegedly planning an attack after being recruited online by an extremist group.
The Hawks, along with the Western Cape National Intervention Unit, Western Cape Bomb Disposal Unit, and Western Cape K9 Unit, apprehended the teenager at his home. He appeared in the Atlantis Magistrates Court on Thursday, facing charges under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities Act (POCDATARA) and for malicious damage to property.
Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi confirmed the arrest, stating that it followed a search and seizure operation at the teen's Melkbosstrand property on 6 December 2023. While no explosive devices or traces thereof were found during the search, authorities seized several electronic devices, including a PlayStation, four gaming consoles, computer equipment, and a cellular telephone, for analysis.
"This was after information was received that a minor child was allegedly planning to attack the Cape Town International Airport and Mavericks Night Club after being radicalised and recruited by the terrorist organisation," Vukubi said.
Investigations revealed that the suspect had allegedly been recruited by a terrorist organisation through social media. Furthermore, it was established that the minor allegedly recruited another individual to assist him in his plans.
Before his arrest, the teen reportedly vandalised the Statue of Mary at the Melkbosstrand Catholic Church in November 2023, beheading it and spray-painting it with unfamiliar slogans. This act of vandalism further raised concerns and contributed to the ongoing investigation.
The enquiry was forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions in Cape Town for a decision and was subsequently sent to the National Director of Public Prosecutions for the issuing of a POCDATARA certificate, which was granted on 6 March 2025. This certificate paved the way for the teen's prosecution under anti-terrorism legislation.
The teen made a brief appearance at the Atlantis Magistrates (Children’s) Court on Thursday and was released into the care of his parents. The case has been postponed until Friday for legal representation.
The arrest highlights the growing concern about the radicalisation of young people through social media and the potential for extremist violence. The Hawks' swift action in this case demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to preventing terrorist attacks and protecting the safety and security of South African citizens.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the full extent of the teen's involvement with the extremist group and to identify any other individuals who may have been involved in the alleged plot. The case serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and for parents and communities to be aware of the potential dangers of online radicalisation.
The story, which began with a search and seizure operation in December 2023, has now led to the arrest of a Cape Town teen accused of plotting a terror attack. The case is still unfolding, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the teen's fate and the extent of the threat he posed.
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