Investigator describes Thulsie terror attack plan

29 July 2016 - 18:37 By Roxanne Henderson

Police believe that terror accused twin Tony-Lee Thulsie was planning a terror attack on South African soil and was in regular contact with people linked to Islamic State‚ using the pseudonym Simba. Thulsie and his brother Brandon-Lee appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Friday on three charges relating to terrorism. Investigator Detective Warrant Officer Wynand Olivier told the court he discovered from a foreign law enforcement agency that Simba was planning the attack in May and June. "Simba discussed sending money to facilitate the commission of a terrorist attack to be executed outside the borders of South Africa. Thereafter Simba changed his intention and began discussing a timeline for himself to carry out an attack inside South Africa. Simba requested instructions on how to create a device."He indicated that he had people in mind for the attack and that he intended to blow himself up in that attack and that he was seeking funds to finance the attack."Simba indicated that he found an easier formula to manufacture explosives and that he referenced a cell phone detonator to set off an explosive device. He also made enquiries on how to create a car bomb."On June 16 Simba enquired about a list of supplies and materials he would need to construct an explosive device and he further indicated that he intended to conduct a small arms attack‚" Olivier said.The police investigator said Simba's activities and previous Islamic State attacks lead him to believe there was a real chance that an attack on South African soil could take place. For this reason he applied for a warrant to search the house in Newclare‚ west of Johannesburg‚ where he believed the Thulsie brothers lived.On July 9‚ the day of the search and the Thulsies' arrest‚ evidence was found that confirmed that Simba was Tony-Lee‚ Olivier said."The source of this evidence is very sensitive and cannot‚ at this stage of the investigation‚ be disclosed. I believe that were the source disclosed‚ this could lead to the source's death or intimidation‚" he said.Olivier said when Tony-Lee was taken in for questioning he said that "he believed in what he had done and was prepared to go to jail".Olivier also provided the court with photographs taken from the Thulsie brothers' digital devices. One shows the twins posing with what appears to be a bomb belt‚ detonator and rifle.Olivier's statement was given in response to allegations by the twins that their arrests were made in the absence of credible evidence against them. On Thursday‚ the brothers launched an application asking the court to declare their arrests and subsequent detentions unlawful. If they succeed‚ they may be released.The case returns to court on Monday...

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