SA brothers charged with planning to blow up US embassy and 'Jewish institutions'

Brandon-Lee and Tony-Lee Thulsie, both 24, face terrorism-related charges.

Two others who were arrested with them in Newclare and Florida were expected to appear in the Kagiso Magistrate's Court later on Monday.

"The accused unlawfully and intentionally conspired to commit the crime of terrorism by planning to cause explosions at a Mission of the United States of America and Jewish institutions (all such structures located in the Republic of South Africa) in order to endanger life, cause death and/or serious bodily harm and the destruction... to such structures," the charge sheet against the brothers read.

"Such conspiracy and incitement was intended to cause and spread feelings of terror, fear or panic in the civilian population of South Africa and particular the US and Jewish sector thereof and to intimidate the government of the United States of America.

"Such conspiracy and incitement was directly or indirectly in whole or part to further the political, religious or ideological motives and objectives of an international terrorist organisation which has been designated by the security council of the United Nations, namely the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Isil, also known as Da'esh and Isis)."

Case postponed

The two bearded brothers sat closely together while in the dock at the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Monday. The courtroom was packed with their family and friends.

Brandon was wearing a grey hoodie and had a black kufi on his head. His brother was wearing a black thawb.

The brothers responded softly when the judge asked if they spoke English.

The case against the two was postponed to July 19, and they remain in custody.