An Indian woman from Gujarat working at a supermarket in Virginia, United States, was shot dead by a masked man. The woman had been working at the supermarket for the last 10 years. The attack was captured in the CCTV, and it shows a masked man wearing a hoodie walking up to the counter, speaking briefly to the woman and then drawing a gun and opening fire at her twice in succession.The man then lunged over the counter to fire again at the woman who had collapsed after being hit initially and fled from the store.&nbsp;The victim, identified as 45-year-old Meghna Patel, hailed from Jantral village in Visnagar taluka of Gujarat’s Mehsana district. Her family has confirmed that she had been employed at the supermarket in Virginia for the past 10 years.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-push-for-muslim-nations-joining-abraham-accords-puts-pakistan-in-a-fix-1779729876943">Trump’s push for Muslim nations to join Abraham Accords puts Pakistan in a fix</a>&nbsp;The incident took place on May 23, 2026. The CCTV footage from the store has now surfaced online, and it shows a hooded man entering the store disguised as a customer.&nbsp;In the footage, the suspect is seen wearing camouflage or animal-print pants, a hooded jacket, face mask and gloves. He calmly approached the counter where Meghnaben Patel was standing and briefly spoke to her.&nbsp;Moments later, the man pulls out a handgun from his pocket and shoots twice at her from almost point-blank range. The alarming video footage doing the rounds on social media also shows Patel collapsing behind the counter after being shot.The attacker then lunges over the counter and takes another shot at her before fleeing hastily.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-immediate-energy-or-fertiliser-crisis-normalcy-in-4-5-days-if-iran-war-ends-govt-1779720018471">‘No immediate energy or fertiliser crisis, normalcy in 4-5 days if Iran war ends’: Govt</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇺🇸 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Virginia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Virginia</a>, USA — A 45-year-old Indian woman from Gujarat was shot dead inside a supermarket during a suspected robbery attempt. <a href="https://t.co/2YIIUtPeVL">pic.twitter.com/2YIIUtPeVL</a>&mdash; World Wide Leak (@leaklive1) <a href="https://twitter.com/leaklive1/status/2059190003075264823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Local police arrived at the scene on receiving information about the incident, cordoned off the area, and launched an investigation. Special teams were also reportedly deployed to arrest the attacker.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-demands-urgent-release-of-12-billion-frozen-in-qatar-before-advancing-peace-talks-with-us-1779714088498">Iran demands urgent release of $12 billion frozen in Qatar before advancing peace talks with US</a>&nbsp;A wave of mourning spread through Meghnaben Patel’s hometown in Gujarat upon receiving news of her murder.Her father, Karsanbhai Patel, and mother, Kapilaben, currently live in Jantral village, while her husband, Upendrabhai Patel, daughter, Nakshiben, and son, Smit, are settled in the United States.Patel is the fourth person from Gujarat to be killed in the US this year. News of her death sparked grief among members of the Gujarati community in the US.

A wave of mourning spread through Meghnaben Patel’s hometown in Gujarat upon receiving news of her murder. Her father, Karsanbhai Patel, and mother, Kapilaben, currently live in Jantral village. News of her death sparked grief among members of the Gujarati community in the US.

An Indian woman from Gujarat working at a supermarket in Virginia, United States, was shot dead by a masked man. The woman had been working at the supermarket for the last 10 years. The attack was captured in the CCTV, and it shows a masked man wearing a hoodie walking up to the counter, speaking briefly to the woman and then drawing a gun and opening fire at her twice in succession. The man then lunged over the counter to fire again at the woman who had collapsed after being hit initially and fled from the store. The victim, identified as 45-year-old Meghna Patel, hailed from Jantral village in Visnagar taluka of Gujarat’s Mehsana district. Her family has confirmed that she had been employed at the supermarket in Virginia for the past 10 years. Also Read: Trump’s push for Muslim nations to join Abraham Accords puts Pakistan in a fix The incident took place on May 23, 2026. The CCTV footage from the store has now surfaced online, and it shows a hooded man entering the store disguised as a customer. In the footage, the suspect is seen wearing camouflage or animal-print pants, a hooded jacket, face mask and gloves. He calmly approached the counter where Meghnaben Patel was standing and briefly spoke to her. Moments later, the man pulls out a handgun from his pocket and shoots twice at her from almost point-blank range. The alarming video footage doing the rounds on social media also shows Patel collapsing behind the counter after being shot. The attacker then lunges over the counter and takes another shot at her before fleeing hastily. Also Read: ‘No immediate energy or fertiliser crisis, normalcy in 4-5 days if Iran war ends’: Govt

A wave of mourning spread through Meghnaben Patel’s hometown in Gujarat upon receiving news of her murder. Her father, Karsanbhai Patel, and mother, Kapilaben, currently live in Jantral village. News of her death sparked grief among members of the Gujarati community in the US.

Indian-origin woman shot dead by masked man at US supermarket; CCTV captures attack

The harrowing case of Harshita Brella, the 24-year-old Indian-origin woman found murdered in the boot of a car in London,&nbsp;has taken a grim turn. A post-mortem of her dead body has confirmed that she was killed by strangulation.

Police suspect that the young woman from Corby, Northamptonshire was killed by her husband, Pankaj Lamba, 23. They believe he fled the country after abandoning her body in a car boot in Ilford, east London. &nbsp;

<h2>Case timeline &nbsp;</h2>

Authorities believe Brella was murdered on the evening of Nov 10. Days later,&nbsp;concerned family members reported her missing.

On Nov 13, officers conducted a welfare check at her home on Skegness Walk, Corby but were unable to find her. A missing person investigation was launched, which led to her body being discovered in the boot of a silver Vauxhall Corsa parked on Brisbane Road, Ilford. CCTV footage reportedly shows Lamba driving the car from Corby to Ilford early on 11 November before abandoning it. &nbsp;

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Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell of the East Midlands Special Operations Major Crime Unit stated, "We suspect Harshita's body had been placed in the boot of the vehicle by Lamba before leaving Corby.

"Lamba then abandoned the vehicle in Brisbane Road, Ilford, and made his getaway."

<h2>Domestic violence</h2>

This tragedy unfolded against a backdrop of domestic violence. A police spokesperson as per BBC has confirmed that Brella had been the subject of a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO), issued in September by Northampton Magistrates' Court.&nbsp;

Following her murder, Northamptonshire Police has now referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to previous contact with Brella. &nbsp;

Neighbours have since reported hearing fierce arguments at Brella's home in the days before her disappearance. One neighbour said that the woman (Brella) "Sounded scared" during one particularly heated exchange. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-approves-antipersonnel-land-mines-for-ukraine-amid-escalating-conflict-with-russia-report-777545">Biden approves anti-personnel land mines for Ukraine amid escalating conflict with Russia: Report</a>

The victim's sister, Sonia Dabas, shared the family's grief and said they "thought something was wrong" by 13 November after her phone was off for two days.

Her father, Satbir Brella, has called for justice, saying, "I want my son-in-law to be brought to justice and I want my daughter's body brought home."

As the investigation unfolds, detectives have released CCTV images of the silver Vauxhall Corsa, urging anyone with information about Lamba’s movements to come forward.&nbsp;

DCI Campbell in a statement said: "I would urge anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or had any sightings of Pankaj Lamba in Corby, Ilford or elsewhere in the days leading up to the discovery of Harshita's body, to contact police as soon as possible."

"Any information, no matter how small, may be relevant to the investigation and help us get justice for Harshita."

The inquest into Brella’s death will open in Northampton on Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, police continue their search for Lamba, who remains at large.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The harrowing case of Harshita Brella, the 24-year-old Indian-origin woman found murdered in the boot of a car in London, has taken a grim turn. A post-mortem of her dead body has confirmed that she was killed by strangulation.

The harrowing case of Harshita Brella, the 24-year-old Indian-origin woman found murdered in the boot of a car in London, has taken a grim turn. A post-mortem of her dead body has confirmed that she was killed by strangulation. Police suspect that the young woman from Corby, Northamptonshire was killed by her husband, Pankaj Lamba, 23. They believe he fled the country after abandoning her body in a car boot in Ilford, east London. Case timeline Authorities believe Brella was murdered on the evening of Nov 10. Days later, concerned family members reported her missing. On Nov 13, officers conducted a welfare check at her home on Skegness Walk, Corby but were unable to find her. A missing person investigation was launched, which led to her body being discovered in the boot of a silver Vauxhall Corsa parked on Brisbane Road, Ilford. CCTV footage reportedly shows Lamba driving the car from Corby to Ilford early on 11 November before abandoning it. Also read | Indian-origin woman's dead body found in car trunk, UK police launch manhunt Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell of the East Midlands Special Operations Major Crime Unit stated, "We suspect Harshita's body had been placed in the boot of the vehicle by Lamba before leaving Corby. "Lamba then abandoned the vehicle in Brisbane Road, Ilford, and made his getaway." Domestic violence This tragedy unfolded against a backdrop of domestic violence. A police spokesperson as per BBC has confirmed that Brella had been the subject of a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO), issued in September by Northampton Magistrates' Court. Following her murder, Northamptonshire Police has now referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to previous contact with Brella. Neighbours have since reported hearing fierce arguments at Brella's home in the days before her disappearance. One neighbour said that the woman (Brella) "Sounded scared" during one particularly heated exchange. Also read | Biden approves anti-personnel land mines for Ukraine amid escalating conflict with Russia: Report The victim's sister, Sonia Dabas, shared the family's grief and said they "thought something was wrong" by 13 November after her phone was off for two days. Her father, Satbir Brella, has called for justice, saying, "I want my son-in-law to be brought to justice and I want my daughter's body brought home." As the investigation unfolds, detectives have released CCTV images of the silver Vauxhall Corsa, urging anyone with information about Lamba’s movements to come forward. DCI Campbell in a statement said: "I would urge anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or had any sightings of Pankaj Lamba in Corby, Ilford or elsewhere in the days leading up to the discovery of Harshita's body, to contact police as soon as possible." "Any information, no matter how small, may be relevant to the investigation and help us get justice for Harshita." The inquest into Brella’s death will open in Northampton on Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, police continue their search for Lamba, who remains at large. (With inputs from agencies)

Harshita Brella murder case: Post-mortem confirms Indian-origin woman was strangulated; Search for husband on

A 54-year-old Indian-origin woman has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for stealing from over 1,000 shops across the UK and returning the stolen goods for over $641,507 (₹53.7 million or £500,000).

She was identified as Narinder Kaur alias Nina Tiara, a prolific shoplifter from Cleverton, Wiltshire.

The woman was found guilty in March 2023 of 25 offences, including fraud, possessing and transferring criminal property, and perverting the course of justice.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:148,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2038}">A thoroughly dishonest individual</h2>

Narinder Kaur would carry out the theft and fraudulent returns all across the UK. As per the BBC, she targeted stores in&nbsp;Solihull, Worcester, Cheltenham, Malvern, Shrewsbury, Cardiff, Trowbridge, Reading, Yeovil, and more.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:241,&quot;w&quot;:460,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2131}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-dares-donald-trump-to-debate-say-it-to-my-face-745852">Kamala Harris dares Donald Trump to debate: 'Say it to my face!'</a>

Between July 2015 and February 2019, Kaur deceived major retailers like Boots, Debenhams, Homebase, John Lewis, House of Fraser, Monsoon, M&amp;S, and TK Maxx, and carried out over a thousand fraudulent transactions.

Judge Ian Lawrie KC, at Gloucester Crown Court, described Kaur as a "thoroughly dishonest individual" while sentencing her in her absence.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:375,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2265}">How did she manage to get away with fraud for such a long time?</h2>

Prosecutors during her trial revealed that Kaur had devised a method to exploit high street stores by claiming refunds for items she had stolen. She would return an item, claim to have lost the receipt, and simultaneously purchase a low-value item to obtain a receipt for both, thus securing fraudulent refunds.

In addition to defrauding retailers, Kaur scammed eight firms of solicitors by instructing them to sue her brother and using stolen credit cards to pay compensation, which was then forwarded to her.&nbsp;

She also attempted to defraud the Wiltshire Council of $9,493 (£7,400) by overpaying with stolen credit cards and then requesting a refund, claiming a payment error.

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Kaur's criminal activities were meticulously planned and executed. She would hire cars to avoid detection and even resorted to creating fake identities to open new bank accounts after her accounts were closed due to suspicions.&nbsp;

West Mercia Police fraud investigator Steve Tristram described the case as the most "planned" and "sophisticated" operation he had ever encountered.

"This lady was operating on an industrial scale. This was a full-time job for her, six days a week - eight or nine hours a day," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A 54-year-old Indian-origin woman has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for stealing from over 1,000 shops across the UK and returning the stolen goods for over $641,507 (₹53.

A 54-year-old Indian-origin woman has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for stealing from over 1,000 shops across the UK and returning the stolen goods for over $641,507 (₹53.7 million or £500,000). She was identified as Narinder Kaur alias Nina Tiara, a prolific shoplifter from Cleverton, Wiltshire. The woman was found guilty in March 2023 of 25 offences, including fraud, possessing and transferring criminal property, and perverting the course of justice. A thoroughly dishonest individual Narinder Kaur would carry out the theft and fraudulent returns all across the UK. As per the BBC, she targeted stores in Solihull, Worcester, Cheltenham, Malvern, Shrewsbury, Cardiff, Trowbridge, Reading, Yeovil, and more. Also read | Kamala Harris dares Donald Trump to debate: 'Say it to my face!' Between July 2015 and February 2019, Kaur deceived major retailers like Boots, Debenhams, Homebase, John Lewis, House of Fraser, Monsoon, M&S, and TK Maxx, and carried out over a thousand fraudulent transactions. Judge Ian Lawrie KC, at Gloucester Crown Court, described Kaur as a "thoroughly dishonest individual" while sentencing her in her absence. How did she manage to get away with fraud for such a long time? Prosecutors during her trial revealed that Kaur had devised a method to exploit high street stores by claiming refunds for items she had stolen. She would return an item, claim to have lost the receipt, and simultaneously purchase a low-value item to obtain a receipt for both, thus securing fraudulent refunds. In addition to defrauding retailers, Kaur scammed eight firms of solicitors by instructing them to sue her brother and using stolen credit cards to pay compensation, which was then forwarded to her. She also attempted to defraud the Wiltshire Council of $9,493 (£7,400) by overpaying with stolen credit cards and then requesting a refund, claiming a payment error. Also read | Woman goes missing as her plan to die in 'suicide pod' lands in trouble. Is she dead or alive remains mystery Kaur's criminal activities were meticulously planned and executed. She would hire cars to avoid detection and even resorted to creating fake identities to open new bank accounts after her accounts were closed due to suspicions. West Mercia Police fraud investigator Steve Tristram described the case as the most "planned" and "sophisticated" operation he had ever encountered. "This lady was operating on an industrial scale. This was a full-time job for her, six days a week - eight or nine hours a day," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

How an Indian-origin woman ran a £500,000 'industrial scale' shoplifting scam across UK

A 24-year-old Indian-origin woman, Manpreet Kaur, tragically passed away on a Qantas flight from Melbourne to Delhi just before takeoff on June 20.

According to reports, Manpreet Kaur, a student who worked at Australia Post and aspired to become a chef, was on her way to visit her family in India for&nbsp;the first time in four years. However, shortly after boarding the plane, she suffered a medical episode and collapsed in front of her seat.

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"When she got on the plane, she was struggling to put her seatbelt on. Just before her flight started, she fell in front of her seat and died on the spot," her friend Gurdip Grewal told the Herald Sun.&nbsp;

Qantas flight crew and emergency services attempted to provide medical assistance, but tragically, Manpreet Kaur passed away at the scene. As per reports, she was suffering from tuberculosis.&nbsp;

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Manpreet's friend Grewal&nbsp;said she had been feeling unwell for hours before arriving at the airport&nbsp;but still managed to board the flight.

Her friend Gurdip Grewal has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for Manpreet's family during this difficult time.&nbsp;

Watch | India: Nature's fury hits with landslide in Lonavla, avalanche in Kedarnath

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"Our dear friend Manpreet left us too soon, leaving a void in our lives that can never be filled. As we grieve her passing, we want to come together to honour her memory and support her family in their time of need," Grewal wrote on the fundraising page.&nbsp;

Victoria Police are currently preparing a report for the coroner, and Qantas has expressed their condolences to Manpreet's family and loved ones.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A 24-year-old Indian-origin woman, Manpreet Kaur, tragically passed away on a Qantas flight from Melbourne to Delhi just before takeoff on June 20. According to reports, Manpreet Kaur, a student who worked at Australia Post and aspired to become a chef, was on her way to visit her family in India for the first time in four years.

A 24-year-old Indian-origin woman, Manpreet Kaur, tragically passed away on a Qantas flight from Melbourne to Delhi just before takeoff on June 20. According to reports, Manpreet Kaur, a student who worked at Australia Post and aspired to become a chef, was on her way to visit her family in India for the first time in four years. However, shortly after boarding the plane, she suffered a medical episode and collapsed in front of her seat. Also Read | Australia doubles foreign student visa fee to curb migration, Indian students likely to be hit "When she got on the plane, she was struggling to put her seatbelt on. Just before her flight started, she fell in front of her seat and died on the spot," her friend Gurdip Grewal told the Herald Sun. Qantas flight crew and emergency services attempted to provide medical assistance, but tragically, Manpreet Kaur passed away at the scene. As per reports, she was suffering from tuberculosis. Also Read | Activist Medha Patkar gets five-month jail term in 23-year-old defamation case Manpreet's friend Grewal said she had been feeling unwell for hours before arriving at the airport but still managed to board the flight. Her friend Gurdip Grewal has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for Manpreet's family during this difficult time. Watch | India: Nature's fury hits with landslide in Lonavla, avalanche in Kedarnath × "Our dear friend Manpreet left us too soon, leaving a void in our lives that can never be filled. As we grieve her passing, we want to come together to honour her memory and support her family in their time of need," Grewal wrote on the fundraising page. Victoria Police are currently preparing a report for the coroner, and Qantas has expressed their condolences to Manpreet's family and loved ones. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-origin woman passes away on Melbourne-Delhi flight just before takeoff

More questions were raised concerning the killing of 53-year-old Indian-origin woman Babita Deokaran, a witness in a personal protective equipment (PPE) controversy, outside her home in Mondeor, with police stating that there was no evidence to suggest it was a hit.&nbsp;

Amnesty International South Africa expressed grave concern, while the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation described it as a professional and well-planned attack.&nbsp;

Babita Deokaran, a senior officer at the Gauteng provincial Department of Health, was shot numerous times through her car door on Tuesday after dropping her child off at school in a Johannesburg neighbourhood.

She was brought to the hospital, but her injuries caused her death.&nbsp;

Deokaran's assassination occurs at a time when the National Prosecuting Authority and its Investigating Directorate are preparing to prosecute state capturers who got away with massive stealing during the Zuma years.&nbsp;

A high-level investigation has been launched into the killing of Deokaran, who had provided critical information regarding a more than 330 million rand (over $20 million) fraud into the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa last year.

The Serious Crime Investigation Unit (SIU) spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said that Deokaran had been one of the witnesses in the investigation by the unit into corruption in the health department, which was already nearing an end.

Kganyago said Deokaran had never indicated that she felt threatened by her participation in the process.

Deokaran will be laid to rest in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday afternoon.

(With inputs from agencies)

More questions were raised concerning the killing of 53-year-old Indian-origin woman Babita Deokaran, a witness in a personal protective equipment (PPE) controversy, outside her home in Mondeor, with police stating that there was no evidence to suggest it was a hit.

More questions were raised concerning the killing of 53-year-old Indian-origin woman Babita Deokaran, a witness in a personal protective equipment (PPE) controversy, outside her home in Mondeor, with police stating that there was no evidence to suggest it was a hit. Amnesty International South Africa expressed grave concern, while the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation described it as a professional and well-planned attack. Babita Deokaran, a senior officer at the Gauteng provincial Department of Health, was shot numerous times through her car door on Tuesday after dropping her child off at school in a Johannesburg neighbourhood. She was brought to the hospital, but her injuries caused her death. Deokaran's assassination occurs at a time when the National Prosecuting Authority and its Investigating Directorate are preparing to prosecute state capturers who got away with massive stealing during the Zuma years. A high-level investigation has been launched into the killing of Deokaran, who had provided critical information regarding a more than 330 million rand (over $20 million) fraud into the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa last year. The Serious Crime Investigation Unit (SIU) spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said that Deokaran had been one of the witnesses in the investigation by the unit into corruption in the health department, which was already nearing an end. Kganyago said Deokaran had never indicated that she felt threatened by her participation in the process. Deokaran will be laid to rest in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday afternoon. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-origin woman, who gave info on over $20 million scam, killed in South Africa 

South African special police unit Hawks have arrested an Indian-origin woman and her partner, both allegedly linked to ISIS, on charges of abducting a British couple.

Fatima Patel and Safydeen Aslam Del Vecchio also face charges of robbery and theft after they went on a spending spree using the couple&#39;s&nbsp;credit cards, building up a stash of jewellery, camping equipment and electronic devices which were found at a remote location where an ISIS flag was being flown.

The Hawks declined to provide any further information due to the sensitive nature of the case as the search continues for the couple whose vehicle was found abandoned more than 300 kms away from where they were last seen on February 9.

But the weekly Sunday Times, quoting a charge sheet after their court appearance, reported that Patel and Del Vecchio also stand accused of contravening the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorism and Related Activities Act by hoisting an ISIS flag at a modest homestead in a rural area.

Del Vecchio also faces another terrorism-related charge for allegedly participating in &quot;extremist web forums that support ISIS and offering to supply phone numbers and sim cards that are not traceable.&quot;

Yousha Tayob, the lawyer representing Patel and Del Vecchio, confirmed that the pair had appeared in the court and were remanded in custody at Westville Prison in KwaZulu-Natal province.

The incident had prompted the British government to issue a travel advisory about possible terrorist attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, but local Muslim organisations have dismissed this as an &quot;overreaction&quot;.

Ebrahim Deen of the Afro-Middle East Centre told the weekly that South African Muslims posed no threat to travellers and that the incident was more related to crime than an ISIS attack.

&quot;Muslims are largely integrated in (South African) society, are not disillusioned and they face little discrimination like in Europe and elsewhere,&quot; he said.

Martin Ewi of the Institute for Security Studies said South Africa was regarded as a &quot;logistics base&quot; for terror cells in transit, and is not traditionally a target for attacks, although the arrests of Patel and Del Vecchio confirmed the presence of an active terror cell in South Africa.

&quot;We in the counter terror fraternity suspected that they were working as members of an active cell, and the kidnapping will confirm the presence of an active IS cell,&quot; Ewi said.&nbsp;

Fatima Patel and Safydeen Aslam Del Vecchio also face charges of robbery and theft after they went on a spending spree using the couple's credit cards

South African special police unit Hawks have arrested an Indian-origin woman and her partner, both allegedly linked to ISIS, on charges of abducting a British couple. Fatima Patel and Safydeen Aslam Del Vecchio also face charges of robbery and theft after they went on a spending spree using the couple's credit cards, building up a stash of jewellery, camping equipment and electronic devices which were found at a remote location where an ISIS flag was being flown. The Hawks declined to provide any further information due to the sensitive nature of the case as the search continues for the couple whose vehicle was found abandoned more than 300 kms away from where they were last seen on February 9. But the weekly Sunday Times, quoting a charge sheet after their court appearance, reported that Patel and Del Vecchio also stand accused of contravening the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorism and Related Activities Act by hoisting an ISIS flag at a modest homestead in a rural area. Del Vecchio also faces another terrorism-related charge for allegedly participating in "extremist web forums that support ISIS and offering to supply phone numbers and sim cards that are not traceable." Yousha Tayob, the lawyer representing Patel and Del Vecchio, confirmed that the pair had appeared in the court and were remanded in custody at Westville Prison in KwaZulu-Natal province. The incident had prompted the British government to issue a travel advisory about possible terrorist attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, but local Muslim organisations have dismissed this as an "overreaction". Ebrahim Deen of the Afro-Middle East Centre told the weekly that South African Muslims posed no threat to travellers and that the incident was more related to crime than an ISIS attack. "Muslims are largely integrated in (South African) society, are not disillusioned and they face little discrimination like in Europe and elsewhere," he said. Martin Ewi of the Institute for Security Studies said South Africa was regarded as a "logistics base" for terror cells in transit, and is not traditionally a target for attacks, although the arrests of Patel and Del Vecchio confirmed the presence of an active terror cell in South Africa. "We in the counter terror fraternity suspected that they were working as members of an active cell, and the kidnapping will confirm the presence of an active IS cell," Ewi said.

South Africa: ISIS-linked Indian-origin woman, partner arrested for kidnapping British couple

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