People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (PAGAD) was formed in 1996 as a community anticrime group fighting drugs and violence in the Cape Flats section of Cape Town, South Africa, but by early 1998 had also become antigovernment and anti-Western. PAGAD and its Islamic ally Qibla view the South African Government as a threat to Islamic values and consequently promote greater political voice for South African Muslims. The group is led by Abdus Salaam Ebrahim . PAGAD's G-Force (Gun Force) operates in small cells and is believed responsible for carrying out acts of terrorism. PAGAD uses several front names, including Muslims Against Global Oppression (MAGO) and Muslims Against Illegitimate Leaders (MAIL), when launching anti-Western protests and campaigns.

Activities

PAGAD is suspected of conducting recurring bouts of urban terrorism -- particularly bomb sprees -- in Cape Town since 1998, including nine bombings in 2000. Bombing targets have included South African authorities, moderate Muslims, synagogues, gay nightclubs, tourist attractions, and Western-associated restaurants. PAGAD is believed to have masterminded the bombing on 25 August 1998 of the Cape Town Planet Hollywood.

PAGAD is estimated at several hundred members, though its G-Force probably contains fewer than 50 members. It operates mainly in the Cape Town area, South Africa's foremost tourist venue. PAGAD is suspected of having partnerships with Islamic fundamentalist groups in the Middle East.