The South African government has debunked a viral security document alleging that a group of foreign nationals, including four Nigerians, was planning coordinated terrorist attacks at strategic locations across Johannesburg, describing the document as entirely false.

In a post shared on its official social media platform on Sunday, the government displayed the circulating document with a bold “FAKE NEWS” label, dismissing its claims.

The document, dated July 22, 2026, purported to be a confidential security alert warning of alleged plans to attack several locations within the City of Johannesburg.

It claimed that intelligence had uncovered a 12-man group allegedly preparing to detonate six explosive devices at critical infrastructure and public locations. According to the document, the suspects included four Nigerians, one Somali identified as Mohammed Ali, two Pakistanis, two British nationals and a member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

The unverified alert further alleged that the operation was being financed by a British national identified only as “Prisco,” whom it described as an MI6 operative connected to the British High Commission in South Africa.

It also claimed that the two Pakistani nationals regularly travelled to Beni in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where they allegedly worked as United Nations military advisers and possessed the technical expertise to manufacture explosive devices.

Among the locations listed as potential targets were the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, Sandton Square and Park Station.

Although the document admitted that the intelligence had not been confirmed, it urged security agencies to intensify investigations and strengthen security around key infrastructure due to the alleged threat.

However, the South African government rejected the claims outright, stating that the document was fake and should not be regarded as credible.

Authorities did not provide further information on the source of the fabricated alert or indicate whether an investigation had been launched into those responsible for circulating it.

The document had gained significant attention on social media before the government’s clarification.