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‘Places of worship are sanctuaries where people seek comfort and peace. It is our responsibility to protect these spaces from any potential threats’. – Rashied Isaacs, Cape Town DRMC
by NONTOBEKO AISHA MKHWANAZI
On August 17, 2024, the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), South African Police Service (SAPS) Bomb Squad, the City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC), and Cape Town Emergency Medical Services (EMS) hosted a crucial ‘Emergency Preparedness Workshop for Places of Worship’, at Al-Azhar High School in Cape Town.
The workshop, which attracted representatives from various Muslim communities from different parts of Eastern and Western Cape, aimed to equip religious institutions with the knowledge and strategies needed to protect their congregations and facilities in emergencies.
In an interview, head of Public Awareness and Preparedness at the City of Cape Town’s DRMC, Charlotte Powell, said the event was held following an incident at Brooklyn Masjid in Cape Town on July 26.
A 40-year-old man, an alleged gang leader, was reportedly shot as he tried to leave the mosque after Jumuah (Friday prayer).
‘The incident has created the need for awareness on the preparedness of religious institutions in emergency situations,’ said Powell.
According to News24, Western Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, said the armed men stormed into the mosque and fired numerous gunshots at the victim and then fled the scene. Currently the matter is under investigation.
Powell emphasised that emergency preparedness involves everyone and further called on all religious institutions and community members to work with the City of Cape Town in order to make Cape Town a safe place.
Echoing Powell’s sentiment, the MJC President, Shaikh Riad Fataar, also noted that safety can only be achieved when everyone works together.
‘Allah has encouraged us to work together in that which brings goodness (Sura Surat Al-Maidah, 5:2) and it is through this co-operation and unity that we can make our communities safe again,’ said Shaikh Fataar.
He also highlighted the importance for Imams to undergo training to know what to do in cases of emergencies.
‘Anything can happen from a child falling from upstairs in the females’ section to the ground floor, to an Imam being held at gunpoint, one of the musallee’s being shot or even a suspected bomb threat. While these are unfortunate circumstances, as an Imam you need to know who to contact to ensure the safety of everyone,’ said Shaikh Fataar.
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Rashied Isaacs of Cape Town’s DRMC also emphasised the importance of fortifying places of worship against potential threats.
He pointed out that while these spaces are sanctuaries for spiritual reflection, they must also be safeguarded to ensure the safety of their congregations.
‘Places of worship are sanctuaries where people seek comfort and peace. It is our responsibility to protect these spaces from any potential threats,’ Isaacs stated.
He further outlined the critical components of a robust emergency plan, including regular risk assessments, clear communication channels and frequent emergency drills.
SAPS’s Warrant Officer Kevin Hartzenberg noted that security is a shared responsibility.
‘While SAPS is committed to protecting all citizens, places of worship must also take proactive steps to enhance their security. This includes everything from physical barriers to emergency response protocols,’ said Hartzenberg.
He outlined SAPS approach to dealing with threats, including the importance of timely reporting and coordination between the police and communities.
Hartzenberg further provided practical advice on improving security, such as installing surveillance systems and fortifying entrances, and stressed the importance of establishing direct communication lines with local police stations and emergency medical services.
He also discussed the critical role of crime scene preservation, explaining that maintaining the integrity of a scene has a bearing on the outcome of an investigation.
‘When a crime does occur, preserving the scene while awaiting the arrival of the police is critical to ensuring that justice can be served. In some instances, justice is not served due to the tampering of the scene,’ said Hartzenberg.
Bomb squad officers also pointed out that in dealing with bomb threats, it is crucial for Imams to emphasise to the public the importance of securing the area and ensuring everyone evacuates the building.
Additionally, they should warn against washing away or diluting any powders or chemicals, as these might be hazardous. People should also be cautioned not to attempt opening, dismantling, or moving any suspicious device or should they assume it is safe. Instead, the SAPS Bomb Squad should be contacted immediately to handle the situation.
Althea Serelina, the supervisor of Cape Town EMS Communication Centre, provided crucial insights on the importance of contacting the correct emergency services in times of need. She suggested that Cape Town residents call 107 for medical emergencies instead of the mobile network emergency number (112), or the national ambulance (10177).
‘Calling 107 ensures that you are connected with local call centre agents who are familiar with the area you are calling from. When calling, give specific details about the location (address) of the incident or potential patient. Provide landmarks if you can,’ explained Serelina.
She stressed that this familiarity could be critical in delivering timely and effective medical assistance.
Further to that, she called for mosques to have emergency contact details in visible spots for the public to see.
Among other contacts which were highlighted as important in the event were: Police10111, City of Cape Town General Emergency 021 480 7700 and emergency medical services 107/ 10177/ 112.
The emergency preparedness initiative is ongoing and more information on sessions is yet to be shared by the City of Cape Town DRM. However, the MJC, SAPS, City of Cape Town DRM and Cape Town EMS have expressed that they are open for invites in community safety initiatives to ensure the safety of everyone in emergencies.
