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The Democratic Alliance (DA) is appalled to learn that the device placed near the Genocide and Holocaust Centre in Gardens, Cape Town, was indeed an explosive.

This failed attack seems to have been targeting South African citizens and their place of worship on the basis of religious affiliation.

The DA echoes Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis’s condemnation of the incident, and reiterates his statement that Cape Town has a long and proud history of being a safe city for people of all religions to live and express their faith and traditions.

All South Africans have a Constitutional right to religious freedom, free from intimidation, harassment or violence.

Our citizens cannot and must not ever become the targets of reprisals for the actions of foreign actors.

The DA has long called for a ceasefire in the Middle East and will simply not condone our citizens being targeted on the basis of their cultural or religious associations.

We urge faith-based leaders throughout South Africa to use their platforms to quell any incitement of hate speech or violence.

The DA commends the City of Cape Town, the SAPS and related officials for their professional response to this incident.

We call for a swift and thorough investigation, and for the perpetrators of this failed but potentially deadly attack on South African soil to be brought to justice.

Issued by Emma Louise Powell MP - DA Spokesperson on International Relations & Cooperation