Terror suspects arrested at S.Africa border: Probe under way

Johannesburg - Two suspected terrorists have been arrested on the South Africa-Zimbabwe border while trying to enter South Africa on fake passports.

The initial arrests, made on June 20, have led to requests by Zimbabwe for information from Pakistani authorities on the two men. Associated Press said the names of the suspects were Imran Muhammad (33) and Chaudry Parvez Ahmed. Muhammad is wanted by Pakistan for alleged links to the Mumbai terrorist attack that killed 166 people in the Indian city in 2008. Zimbabwean police have turned to Interpol, the International Crime Police organisation, for information. South African Police Services (SAPS) Colonel Vish Naidoo, spokesman for 2010 security, told Times Live:

"Zimbabwe has informed us of the arrest. The suspects were arrested for travelling with suspicious travel documents."

Naidoo said security surrounding the World Cup had been successful in deterring attacks:

"The mere fact that they were stopped in Zimbabwe will tell you that the security is sufficient."

The spokesman added:

"We are working jointly with our counterparts from the Southern African region, Interpol's 188 member countries and the participating countries in the World Cup. This integrated approach is working effectively.”

The reports of the arrests come amidst recurring claims of terrorist threats to the World Cup, none of which has been officially acknowledged by South African security forces. The reports say the suspects flew from Saudi Arabia to Tanzania on Africa’s east coast where they obtained false Kenyan passports before driving by road to Zimbabwe.