8th September, 2015
The United States embassy in South Africa, on Tuesday said that it had received information that extremists might be targeting American interests in the country.
A statement issued by the embassy said that American interests being targeted for attack includes US government facilities and other facilities identified with American business interest.
It urged American citizens in the country to review their security plans, remain aware and vigilant of their surroundings, monitor local news stations for updates and follow instructions from local authorities.
Fears for terror attacks on Western targets in South Africa had existed for some time.
There had been reports that a British born terrorist called Samantha Lewthwaite (White Widow) was seen spying on Western embassies in South Africa before she allegedly masterminded the West Gate Shopping Mall attack in Nairobi, Kenya.
The 31-year-old Briton is known to have been in South Africa between 2008 and 2011, travelling under the assumed name Natalie Webb on fraudulently obtained South African passport.
In January and February 2013, she was allegedly caught on CCTV cameras watching embassies in the Arcadia area of Pretoria, including the British High Commission.
Arcadia is home to the Union Buildings and South African president’s official residence, in addition to U.S. embassy and many other foreign embassies.