The most alarming statements were these:
By 2000, PAGAD was thought to be officially dead. The behavior at Saturday's funeral raises further doubts about the real disappearance of the group.
On Monday, August 29, 2005, there were warnings made by South Africa's Intelligence Minister Ronnie Kasrils that al-Qaeda was believed to be trying to set up networks in the country.
He said: "There are groups in Africa that claim to be part of al-Qaeda and other structures, and here in southern Africa they have been discovered seeking refuge and quite possible attempting to set up networks. There is nothing to stop terrorists attacking a maritime target in Africa, along our busy sea lanes or in our harbors.... We must also note the potential for terrorist groups to use the sea.. Africa is not immune to this."
"The challenge to us is to develop our maritime power, our naval power, to a level where this continent will no longer be an easy target ... and to discourage adventures by foreign actors, be they states or non-state groups such as international terrorists, narcotics smugglers or mercenaries."
