Pakistani terror suspects held at South Africa border

JOHANNESBURG - Zimbabwe police arrested two Pakistani citizens on suspicion of terrorism when they attempted to cross the border into South Africa, news reports said Saturday.

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

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

Zimbabwe’s government-run The Herald newspaper said police believe the suspects, Imran Muhammad, 33, and Chaudry Parvez Ahmed, 39, tried to enter the country with fake passports.

The men flew from Saudi Arabia to Tanzania where they allegedly acquired fake Kenyan passports before entering Zimbabwe overland.

Police did not release further details.

“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 of the event.