Israeli legal organization Shurat HaDin has released the findings of an independent forensic investigation into the attempted bombing of a Jewish community building in Cape Town, South Africa, saying it has submitted the report to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and is seeking an update on the status of the official investigation.
According to Shurat HaDin, the investigation was commissioned by a private donor concerned about the security of Jewish communities worldwide. The organization said it undertook the review to assess available evidence and identify potential investigative leads following concerns over the pace of the official inquiry.
The organization said it had initially kept its findings confidential but decided to publish them because there have been no publicly reported developments since the report was submitted to South African authorities.
On the night of December 5, 2024, an explosive device weighing approximately two kilograms was placed at an emergency exit of a Jewish community building in Cape Town. The device was discovered by security personnel, prompting an evacuation before SAPS and its bomb disposal unit safely removed it. According to Shurat HaDin, security footage shows two individuals arriving at the site on a motorbike on two separate occasions that evening.
Shurat HaDin said its investigation included analysis of mobile device data from the area, along with video footage and publicly available information. According to the organization, the report narrowed the field of suspect devices, identified patterns it says are consistent with pre-attack reconnaissance and post-attack activity, and highlighted individuals whose movements it believes warrant further investigation by South African authorities.
"This report was intended to support law enforcement efforts by providing additional data analysis linked to the timing and location of the incident," said Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, president of Shurat HaDin. "We have shared our findings with the relevant authorities and encourage a thorough review of all available evidence in order to advance the investigation."
Shurat HaDin said the December 2024 incident reflects broader concerns over the security of Jewish institutions worldwide and called for greater transparency regarding the investigation.
"We believe it is important for the relevant authorities to clarify the current status of the investigation and any steps taken in response to the information submitted," Darshan-Leitner said. "This would assist in reinforcing public confidence and ensuring that the matter is addressed appropriately."
The organization has asked South African authorities to confirm receipt and review of the report, provide an update on investigative steps taken since December 2024, consider the leads identified in the forensic analysis where appropriate, and review security coordination with affected Jewish community institutions.
Shurat HaDin said it also intends to share its findings with relevant stakeholders in the United States, Israel and Europe, and will continue to monitor developments in the case.