Sandton City, Mandela Square to remain open amidst terror threat

The owner of the Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square malls, Liberty Two Degrees, says it is taking a possible terror threat in the area seriously and has put “appropriate” security measures in place.

“The safety of all our shoppers, tenants, service providers and stakeholders is of paramount importance,” it said in a statement.

“In partnership with the authorities, we are actively monitoring the situation and have appropriate security measures in place in and around Sandton City, which includes Nelson Mandela Square, offices, hotels and the Sandton Convention Centre.

“The malls are currently trading as normal.”

The US Embassy in Johannesburg issued an alert on Wednesday about possible terror attacks targeting large gatherings in an unspecified location in Sandton.

Should the need arise, the South African government said it would notify South Africans immediately.

News24 reported on Thursday, a gay pride event and a two-week theatre show staged by Jewish comedian Nik Rabinowitz could be targets of a terror attack.

Robinowitz is scheduled to perform at the Theatre on the Square in Nelson Mandela from November 1 to 12.

According to News24, three Independent sources within the police and Crime Intelligence Division who spoke on the condition of anonymity said that American Authorities had warned of the impending attack and identified seven individuals believed to be part of Islamic State(ISIS).

Peace talk between warring Ethiopian parties, which are currently taking place in Pretoria, have also been identified as a potential target by South Africa’s intelligence agencies.

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