Pretoria - The South African government has reiterated its condemnation of all forms of terrorism, following the on-going terrorist attacks in Kenya.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) on Thursday said terrorism, in any manner and from whichever quarter, cannot be condoned.
“Accordingly, South Africa strongly condemns the recent cowardly attacks in the coastal resort town of Mpeketoni. These heinous acts of terror against innocent civilians don't serve any purpose and will only contribute to further instability and ethnic animosity,” Dirco spokesperson Clayson Monyela said.
He said South Africa will continue to support the efforts of the Kenyan government to fight terrorism and promote inter-ethnic harmony and national reconciliation.
Unknown attackers struck Mpeketoni, a farming community in the coast, and killed more than 60 people in tormenting incidents on Sunday and Monday.
The attackers also torched banks, business premises and displaced almost 500 households amid tension in the formerly peaceful location.
Military and police sources indicated that security personnel have made progress in arresting those behind the attack.
On Thursday, the Kenya Defence Forces killed five gunmen believed to be behind the Mpeketoni attack in a shootout with the soldiers, who are pursuing them in the forest. - SAnews.gov.za-Xinhua
