UDM leader Bantu Holomisa, pictured, said he was not surprised that police had seized caches of firearms, including explosives and ammunition.

UDM leader Bantu Holomisa, pictured, said he was not surprised that police had seized caches of firearms, including explosives and ammunition.

"After we attained freedom we relaxed and became too trusting."

Holomisa said there were some elements who still wanted to cause trouble. "These people still have maps to arm caches. Government should have demanded these maps. But now they must intensify their investigations."

"Those who were saying there was Al Qaeda operating in the country were deceiving the public. It was something from within."

Independent political analyst Dumisani Hlophe said the discovery of the arms caches did not warrant panic setting in. "Terrorist activities are world over. They are a global phenomenon.

"Even if it had happened that they carried out the bombings during the World Cup, it would not have been a unique thing to South Africa."

Hlophe said some people would exaggerate the importance of the recent arrests.

"Any little thing that happens in Africa is perceived as a disaster."