Mumbai terror suspect held near South Africa border?

JOHANNESBURG - Two Pakistanis, one a suspect in the Mumbai terror attack, were arrested in Zimbabwe as they tried to enter South Africa, a media report said Saturday. But a South African police officer denied they were terrorists.

Zimbabwean police said 33-year-old Imran Muhammad, wanted in connection with the 2008 Mumbai attack, was arrested near the Beitbridge border post, the Herald newspaper said.

He was travelling with another Pakistani national, Chaudry Parvez Ahmed, 33, Radio France Internationale (RFI) quoted the Herald as saying.

South African Police have, however, downplayed suggestions that the arrests had anything to do with terrorism.

South African police official Vish Naidoo said the two Pakistani men were arrested on suspicion of being illegal immigrants, not terrorists, the South African Press Agency reported.

Imran had a fake Kenyan passport and the two Pakistanis reportedly came to Zimbabwe from Saudi Arabia via Tanzania, the report said.

Earlier, South African radio said that at least one of the men was wanted by Interpol in connection with terrorist activities.

DPA adds: The men had tried to enter South Africa via the Beitbridge border crossing with Zimbabwe about a week ago.

“They are in Harare and in custody as investigations continue,” the Herald quoted a police spokesman as saying.

South Africa’s border with Zimbabwe has the reputation of being very porous, but security has been stepped up for the World Cup, as authorities fear even a small attack could create massive disruptions.

Zimbabwean police spokesperson Wayne Bvudzijena said investigations into the case were going on, but did not say whether the two posed a threat to the World Cup soccer.