Mayor Hill-Lewis denounces bomb threat at District Six mosque amid ongoing investigation
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has condemned a bomb threat made against the Al-Azhar Mosque in District Six, urging unity and swift justice.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has condemned the bomb threat directed at the Al-Azhar Mosque in District Six, describing it as a sinister act that strikes at the heart of the city’s values of peace, tolerance, and religious freedom.
The threat was reportedly sent via cellphone, prompting police to open an intimidation case.
The City confirmed that it is actively supporting the investigation through its Safety and Security Investigative Unit, K9 Unit, and Disaster Risk Management teams.
“My office has been in contact with SAPS who confirmed they are investigating a case of intimidation related to a bomb threat message issued via cellphone to the Al-Azhar Mosque in District Six,” said Hill-Lewis.
“I condemn the sinister motives behind this threatening message. Cape Town is a city of peace-loving people, where differences of faith and opinion are expressed loudly and fully, but always peacefully,” he said.
“Let us all commit ourselves to protecting and defending the best of that history.”
Hill-Lewis called on all faith communities to reject extremism and stand together in unity.
“We call on all faith communities to stand united in condemning such acts and to use their platforms to preach tolerance in a plural society.”
This is the second such incident to rattle the city’s faith communities.
In December 2024, an explosive device was thrown over the front wall of the Jewish Community Centre in Hatfield Street.
Hill-Lewis urged SAPS to prioritise investigations into both cases.
“We call on SAPS to prioritise these investigations to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”
Mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, confirmed the City’s operational response.
“The City is actively supporting the investigation at the request of SAPS, including through our Safety and Security Investigative Unit and K9 unit. I have further referred this incident to Disaster Risk Management and the SSIU in terms of our joint Safer Places of Worship project.”
The City reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding spaces of worship and ensuring that Cape Town remains a safe and inclusive city for all communities.
Cape Argus