18 July 2000
Western Cape Premier Gerald Morkel has expressed his shock and disgust at this afternoon's bomb explosion at Cape Town International Airport. According to police sources a device exploded in a concrete rubbish bin in the parking area of the airport at approximately 2.15pm today (18 July 2000).
Mr Morkel condemned the attack as cowardly and pointless. He said: "It is ironic that while the majority of the people of the Western Cape work hard to contribute to the prosperity of the province and take pride in living here, there are still a few evildoers who want to make the Western Cape ungovernable and sabotage its international image and tourism economy."
The Premier, however, said he was relieved that there were no injuries. Mr Morkel, who is on his way to Beaufort West in the Karoo with his ministers to start this year's second Cabinet-to-the-People project, has sent his Minister of Community Safety, Mark Wiley, back to Cape Town to assess the situation and report back to him.
Inquiries: Riana Geldenhuys Tel (082) 3764709
Issued by the Office of the Premier, Western Cape, 18 July 2000