Durban - Independent Media set up two Twitter accounts – one posing as a South African interested in joining Islamic State (IS) and the other identifying us as a media organisation wanting to find out why so many people were attracted to the caliphate.
After searching several IS-related Twitter profiles, we found two people who claimed they were based in Syria and keen to help South Africans to join IS.
The biography of one of the profiles said: “Allah has brought us from the land of the non-believer (South Africa) to the land of the caliphate.”
He tweeted about life in IS and tips for those wanting to join. After several exchanges we were given a link that led to a document on how to get to land controlled by IS from South Africa. However, the document was protected with a password and could not be opened. We were asked to communicate on different social media platforms – downloading, chatting and then deleting applications.
We started on Twitter but over a period of time we were directed to Kik, Wickr and finally SureSpot. Wickr is an instant messenger service which allows users to exchange encrypted messages. Once read they are automatically deleted after a short period of time.
After several exchanges, presumably to establish a relationship of trust, we were provided with the password. It allowed us to access the eight-page document titled #SteadsOfWarSeries – A Hijrah guide for Brothers and Sisters coming from South Africa (mainly). It was dated January 7. This is a shortened version:
1. Visa: apply online for a Turkish e-visa.
2. Find a flight using Travelstart, Cheapflights or Tripsta. (Make sure you book a return ticket as you cannot board the flight without doing so).
3. Preferred transit locations: either Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha (Qatar)
4. Avoid travelling via: KLM Airlines, EgyptAir, Air France. Egypt does not allow men between 18-40 years of age to travel to Turkey.
5. Choose Istanbul as your arrival city.
6. Format all electronic devices before departing so that you’re clean of suspicion.
7. Arrival: once you have reached your destination, check into a hotel and download the following apps: Wickr, Kik Messenger, SureSpot and Telegram. Contact your “inside person”, let them know your itinerary and how many people are with you.
8. Book a bus or flight to the location you have been instructed to with the help of the hotel receptionist.
9. Pack thermal gloves (from Cape Union Mart), a jacket, socks, beanies, neck scarves, sleeping bag and quality boots.
10. Get a black backpack. Do not get bright colours because this makes it easier for Turkish soldiers to spot you.
Finally: “Make lots of duah (prayer) and ask Allah to make your migration easy. Please keep the brothers and their families who helped with all the tips in your prayers.”
Sunday Tribune