From Daily Maverick · Isel van Zyl · · 1m 50s
SA Faces Nihilistic Violence in Two Cases
South Africa's first two cases of nihilistic violent extremism show how the threat is now domestic and urgent.
In brief
South Africa's first two cases of nihilistic violent extremism show how the threat is now domestic and urgent. South Africa has seen both forms of nihilistic violent extremism: a networked case in Malmesbury and a lone-actor attack in Umhlali. Originally reported by Daily Maverick.
Nihilistic Violence in South Africa
Two cases this year show nihilistic violent extremism is no longer a foreign phenomenon.
Malmesbury Case
A 16-year-old arrested in August faces 11 charges including sexual exploitation and making threats.
764 Network
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764 is accused of links to 764 nodes in the Com, a decentralised online network.
Umhlali Attack
A 15-year-old boy stabbed a six-year-old girl at a primary school in Umhlali.
Bomb Attempt
The boy allegedly left a homemade bomb in Ballito Junction mall in March that failed to detonate.
Manifesto Details
The manifesto praised mass killers including Columbine shooters and named the True Crime Community as inspiration.
True Crime Community
The True Crime Community is a fandom that treats mass killers as celebrities.
NVE Tracker
The NVE Tracker has coded nearly 600 incidents in 42 countries since 2.011.
System Response
The system responded to the Malmesbury case through foreign agencies but not to Umhlali.
Dr Labuschagne's Warning
Dr Gérard Labuschagne warned that an arrest does not end the threat if grievances deepen.
Legal Gaps
South Africa's laws do not cover nihilistic violence as it lacks political or ideological motives.
What South Africa Needs
South Africa needs a threat-assessment capability, legal clarity, and international channels to address NVE.
Media Role
Media nicknames for attackers can encourage copycat violence by providing notoriety.
Next Steps
South Africa must act on warning signs before the next attack lands on someone with authority.
What to remember
South Africa has seen both forms of nihilistic violent extremism: a networked case in Malmesbury and a lone-actor attack in Umhlali.
