Patterns of Global Terrorism 2000 - South Africa

Cape Town continued to experience a series of bombings and other acts of urban terrorism in 2000. Nine bombings resulted in some 30 injuries. Five of the nine attacks were car-bombings that targeted South African authorities, public places, and restaurants and nightclubs with Western associations. According to US Embassy reporting, the spate of bombings in 2000 – the latest of several urban terrorism episodes that Cape Town has experienced since 1998 – was distinguished by larger bombs triggered by more sophisticated remote detonation devices.

South African authorities suspect that People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (PAGAD) – South Africa's most militant Muslim organization – was responsible for most of the bombings. According to press reports, anonymous calls to news reporters demanding the release of PAGAD cadre preceded four of the bombings. One unidentified individual called a local radio station before a bombing on 29 August and gave precise details of the timing and location of the attack. In raids in November, police arrested several suspects affiliated with PAGAD and confiscated several pipe bombs. There were no bombings or incidents after the arrests.