US shuts SA embassy over 'threat'

All US embassies and consulates in South Africa have been closed following warnings from security officials.

"We received information from the regional security office which I cannot discuss," said embassy spokeswoman Sharon Hudson Dean.

She said she expected the mission to reopen on Wednesday.

The closure affects the US missions in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, as well as all government aid and development offices.

Ms Hudson Dean said it was the first time in at least 10 years that the embassy had been closed for security reasons.