CAPE TOWN: South Africa delivered a diplomatic slap to Rwanda on Wednesday, saying it would not tolerate attacks on its soil against exiled Rwandan opposition members, actions which Pretoria has linked to expelled diplomats from Rwanda Embassy.

Rwanda's ambassador said Pretoria had shown no proof of Kigali's involvement in the attacks.

Three Rwandan diplomats and a diplomat from Burundi were ordered out by Pretoria last week after South African security services linked them to a raid by gunmen against the Johannesburg home of an exiled Rwandan general and critic of President Paul Kagame.

In retaliation, the Rwandan government expeled six South African diplomats, accusing Pretoria of sheltering individuals whom it linked to “terrorist acts” in Rwanda.

“As the South African government, we want to send a very stern warning to anybody, anywhere in the world, that our country will not be used as a springboard to do illegal activities.”