| 16-Year-old arrested for contravention of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities Act | |
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| Date Published: | 2025/03/27 |
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Media Statement WESTERN CAPE - A Juvenile, aged 16, was arrested on 27 March 2025, by the multi-disciplinary intelligence led operational team comprising of the Hawks' Crimes Against The State (CATS), Western Cape National Intervention Unit, Western Cape Bomb Disposal Unit and Western Cape K9 Unit for contravention of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities Act (POCDATARA) and Malicious Damage to Property. On 06 December 2023, the team executed a search and seizure warrant at Melkbosstrand. 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. During the search, no explosive devices were found or any traces thereof detected. Several electronic devices, including a playstation, four gaming consoles, computer equipment, and a cellular telephone were seized for analysis. During the investigation, it was established that he participated in social media chat groups and was recruited to be an extremist. It was also established that the minor allegedly recruited another individual to assist him and during November 2023, he destroyed the Statue of Mary at the Melkbosstrand Catholic Church by beheading and spray painting it with unfamiliar slogans. The enquiry was forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions in Cape Town for decision and thereafter sent to the National Director of Public Prosecutions for the issuing of a POCDATARA certificate and it was issued on 06 March 2025. The suspect made a brief appearance at the Atlantis Magistrates Court (Children's Court) on 27 March 2025 and was released in the care of his parents. The matter was postponed to 28 March 2025 for legal representation. Ends
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