Heavy security presence ahead of terrorism-accused’s court appearance

A tight security cordon manned by heavily armed police has been erected around the Kagiso Magistrate’s Court where the Patel siblings — arrested in anti-terror raids — are to appear on Monday.

Ibrahim and Fatima Patel‚ who were arrested in raids by the Hawks last week Saturday‚ are to appear on charges relating to the illegal possession of ammunition and explosives.

Police screened people trying to get a place in the courtroom ahead of the start of the morning’s proceedings with sniffer dogs having searched for any explosive devices.

 The Patels were arrested in Azaadville hours after police arrested identical twins‚ Brandon-Lee and Tony-Lee Thulsie.

 The Thulsie brothers‚ who police alleged tried to join the Islamic State‚ are facing three charges relating to terrorism activities.

The Patels and Thulsies were arrested after a year-long investigation by the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State unit.

Both the Patels and the Thulsie’s have denied any links to terrorism.