Mall threats: CSO says be alert, but don’t panic

SUZANNE BELLING

According to Jevon Greenblatt, operations director of the CSO in Gauteng, the organisation views the threats as “specific and credible” but does not see it as aimed at the South African Jewish community.

“However you look at it across the world, the Jewish community is usually a secondary target – in Paris, Charlie Hebdo was followed by the attack on a kosher supermarket and in Copenhagen, the initial attack was in a free speech coffee shop, followed by an attack on a synagogue in that city.”

Greenblatt said precautionary measures were being put in place. “It is our duty to protect Jewish institutions and Jewish communal life. But people must be vigilant, take care and report anything suspicious to the authorities or, in a mall, to security.”

The CSO Gauteng issued an update on the terrorism threat and increase of CSO threat level to the community on Tuesday, referring to the numerous media reports which stated that upscale malls, particularly those frequented by US citizens, were a response to a travel advisory issued by the US State Department.

This information follows a call by Islamic State to carry out attacks during the month of Ramadan, which began on June 7.

“The South African authorities have issued a statement indicating that there is no immediate danger, nor reason for panic,” the CSO stated. “There is no specific information to suggest that our community is a direct target for this attack, but the possibility must be considered.”

Immediate actions suggested in the communication include the following:

· Ensure that gates to all communal installations are kept locked at all times;

· Ensure that only trusted people are allowed access to any communal installation;

· Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Report anything suspicious to the CSO immediately on 086 18 000 18

· Ensure that your physical security and security procedures are up to date and well-practised;

· Ensure that you have a security team that has the necessary training and equipment to deal with any eventuality;

· Your security and the security of your family and your community is your responsibility – act on anything that is suspicious.

The CSO stressed that “numerous false and sensationalised” messages related to this information have been widely disseminated. “Any official CSO message will only be sent on a CSO letterhead. All other messages should be disregarded and reported to the CSO.”

The CSO in Cape Town criticised members of the Jewish community for putting out messages on Facebook and WhatsApp “incorrectly warning Jewish community members” on the suspected planned terrorist attack on South Africa. No such warning was distributed by the CSO “and the United States Embassy did not specify an attack on June 6, a CSO advisory notice stated. The statement continued:

“The CSO urges all community members not to circulate the false CSO message that you may receive from friends and family.”