An oblique warning of a possible bomb attack has been posted on the Facebook page of the Diamond Fields Advertiser. The African National Congress (ANC) has scheduled its annual January 8 rally for Saturday, in Kimberley.
The message read: ‘Get ready for some bombing in ANC today.’ The sender was reported contacted by the media but claimed unable to be able to supply more details.
The police confirmed that they were ‘looking into’ the message.
Brigadier Vish Naidoo, said: ‘We have also taken all the precautions necessary to ensure that all VIPs, dignitaries and those attending the celebrations are protected. We have also implemented road closures as part of the security processes, that will also assist in keeping out any criminal elements.’
President Ramaphosa cancelled some activities scheduled for Friday. It is unclear if this was related to the bomb warning.
Soldiers deployed to the area – reportedly to ‘protect the president’ – have been seen patrolling the streets of Kimberley. The ANC has claimed not to know about the reasons for this. SA National Defence Force spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini said that troop should not be doing this and that they should return to barracks. ‘As far I am aware they were ordered to stay in their bases and not be anywhere else.’