Planet Hollywood bombing

Planet Hollywood bombing
Location	V&A Waterfront,Cape Town, South Africa
Coordinates	33.9065°S 18.4194°E / -33.9065; 18.4194
Date	25 August 1998 (1998-08-25)
Weapons	pipe bomb
Deaths	2
Injured	26
Perpetrators	People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (PAGAD)

The Planet Hollywood bombing was a terrorist bomb attack that took place at the Planet Hollywood restaurant at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa. On the night of 25 August 1998 a bomb detonated beneath the footrest of the bar at the restaurant. One victim died in the blast whilst a second victim died later in hospital. A number of victims lost limbs in the blast and were permanently maimed including a 12-year-old British tourist. The United States government sent FBI agents to assist in the investigation of the blast.

The attack was committed by the vigilante group Muslims Against Global Oppression later known as People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (PAGAD). PAGAD admitted they committed the attack stating that it was done in retaliation for American air-raids in Sudan and Afghanistan.

The Planet Hollywood bombing was a significant event in South African history, as it highlighted the growing threat of vigilantism and terrorism in the country. It also led to increased tensions between the government and PAGAD, with the government designating the group as a terrorist organization and launching a crackdown on its activities.

The bombing was widely condemned by the international community, and it led to increased security measures being put in place in Cape Town and other parts of South Africa. It also led to a renewed focus on addressing the root causes of crime and violence in the country, including poverty, inequality, and social unrest.

In the years following the bombing, PAGAD's activities continued to be a major concern for the South African government and law enforcement agencies. The group was responsible for a number of other bombings and violent incidents, and its leaders were eventually arrested and charged with various crimes.

Today, PAGAD is no longer as active as it once was, and its activities have largely been replaced by other forms of vigilantism and terrorism in South Africa. However, the Planet Hollywood bombing remains an important reminder of the dangers of vigilantism and the need for effective law enforcement and community engagement to address the root causes of crime and violence.