The government has ordered its own probe into allegations that a South African national has been involved in aiding jihadist groups in Mozambique.
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Lindiwe Sisulu, said that she had requested the investigation after receiving a report on the arrest and court appearance of Andre’ Hanekom.
Hanekom and two Tanzanians have been charged by Mozambican authorities with crimes that include murder and crimes against the state. This relates to activities aimed at destabilising the north of Mozambique and which has led to the deaths of more than 100 people.
In a statement on Tuesday, Minister Sisulu said that South Africa views these charges in a serious light and has requested South African law enforcement agencies to also investigate the charges.
She said this is to ensure that “no South African citizen become involved in activities that destabilise other countries, in particular, our good neighbour and friend”.
She also noted that more than 800 South Africans are in prisons across the world for different crimes including fraud, drug possession and violent crimes, with the majority in the Americas for drug-related convictions.
