Woolies stores rocked by explosions in two separate incidents

Police are investigating two separate explosions that hit Woolworths stores in just over 24 hours of each other – one in Gauteng and another in the Free state.

Police first reported an explosion at a Woolworths store at Menlyn Mall, in Tshwane, during the early hours of Thursday morning.

It’s understood the store manager received a phone call from personnel stationed at the store informing him of an explosion that occurred inside the premises at approximately 1am.

Police have confirmed that an “unknown explosive device” detonated on one of the store shelves.

At the time of the incident, five packers were on duty inside the store but no injuries were reported, with the damage limited to food items and shelving inside the store.

The police’s Bomb Disposal Unit, K9 Unit, Crime Scene Management, as well as detectives, are following up on all possible leads as part of the ongoing investigation.

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“A case of contravention of the Explosives Act, Act 26 of 1956, Section 27(1)(c), has been registered for investigation,” police said in a statement.

Damage to food on shelves at Woolworths Menlyn Mall. Image: Supplied

While that matter is still pending, the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks) are also now probing the circumstances that led to a similar incident at Preller Square, in Bloemfontein where “an alleged explosion occurred at a retail store”.

Police confirmed it to be a Woolies store as well.

According to reports, the store manager received a call from a security company at 3am, informing him about an explosion inside the store.

“The local SAPS [South Africa Police Service] Explosives Unit and other relevant stakeholders are on the scene. Investigations into the cause of the explosion are continuing,” Hawks spokesperson Fikiswa Matoti told Moneyweb.

It’s unclear at this stage if the incidents are linked.

In a written statement, Woolworths said it has extended its full cooperation to authorities and will continue to work closely with investigators in the matter.

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“At this stage, no further information on the nature of the devices or the motive behind these attacks is available,” the corporate said.

As a precaution, the company added that vigilance across Woolworths stores nationwide has increased, and specialist forensic experts have been contracted to strengthen security and intelligence, in support of the work already being done by the authorities.

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“We are taking every action and doing everything in our power to protect our people and customers, who remain our first priority,” said Sam Ngumeni, incoming Group CEO.

“An attack on our business is an attack on our values, and the millions of people we serve.”

All stores will stay open.

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