Johannesburg -
Government officials declined to comment on Wednesday about reports that a woman linked to the Nairobi mall attacks rented property in Joburg and had a fake South African passport.
“I am not commenting on the matter,” said Home Affairs spokesman Ronnie Mamoepa, to whom Department of International Relations and Co-operation spokesman Clayson Monyela was referring all media inquiries.
News channel eNCA reported that a British citizen, Samantha Lewthwaite, who was wanted by Kenyan police for her alleged involvement in a separate terror plot, had used the name Natalie Faye Webb to rent at least three properties in Joburg and run up debts of R183 123.
The 29-year-old woman is nicknamed the “White Widow” because her husband was among the 2005 London suicide bombers.
The Hawks unit also declined to comment when asked if she was being investigated. Spokesman Captain Paul Ramaloko said it was “not at liberty to comment on what is happening in Kenya”.
However, he confirmed it was investigating the activities of the Somali militant group, al-Shabaab, which is believed to have led the attack on Westgate Mall.
A South African woman reported missing in Nairobi after the attack had been found safe at a nearby hotel, said South Africa’s High Commissioner to Kenya.
Super Moloi said on Wednesday that she had been at the hotel when the attack started and had not contacted her family until Tuesday as communications had been affected. He declined to name her.
The official Kenyan State House website said Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta had reported 61 civilians, six security officers and five terrorists were killed.
One of the civilians was James Thomas, 57, of Cape Town, who had been in Nairobi on business.
In Pretoria on Wednesday, the flag flew at half mast at the Kenyan High Commission in Brooklyn at the start of the official three days of mourning.
According to deputy Kenyan High Commissioner, Hellen Gichuhi, people had written to them and donated money. “Many people are saddened that many lives were lost in this heinous act and are also reiterating the fight against terrorism is an international fight and that they fully support Kenya’s efforts in the Horn of Africa region.”
Public Protector Thuli Madonsela sent condolences to the country.
Pretoria News