Terror suspects expected to appear in court

Two more suspects are expected to appear in the Kagiso Magistrate Court on firearms and explosives related charges.

The four suspects, aged between 20 and 24 years, were arrested in a joint operation by the Hawks, National Intervention Unit, Bomb Squad and other law enforcement agencies in anti-terror raids in Newclare and Azaadville, Johannesburg on Saturday.

They are suspected of working in terrorism related activities in Gauteng.

According to the Hawks, the State Security Department has been keeping an eye on the men since last year.

"The arrests follows protracted investigations by the Hawks and the State Security of possible terror related activities in the Johannesburg area.  Four suspects were identified after they attempted to travel to Syria in 2015.  They were however refused by an international airline to travel after they were informed of their intentions." the Hawks said.

The National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Mthandazo Ntlemeza, said South Africa cannot sit on its laurels, because this kind of threats are likely.

"“It is clear that the arrest of the four is very big step forward in the fight against terrorism.  But we cannot say that the problem has been solved.  This terrorist organizations are recruiting in our country and as the law enforcement agencies will continue to work around the clock to prevent any form of recruitment on our soil.   We will remain on high alert to make sure that we safeguard our citizenry and residents alike.  We will diffuse any attempts to form any terrorist groups in our country.  Our people should also be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police," Ntlemeza said in a statement.