All US embassies and consulates in South Africa have been closed following warnings from security officials. Embassy spokeswoman Sharon Hudson Dean said information had been received from the regional security office which could not be discussed. 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.