Another explosion hits second Woolworths store in South Africa
Another Woolworths store in South Africa has been hit by an explosive device, with an incident reported at a branch in Bloemfontein in the early hours of Friday, 29 May.
The explosion at the Woolworths store at Preller Square Shopping Centre marks the second such incident involving the retailer in less than 48 hours, following a blast at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria on Thursday morning.
In a statement, Preller Square management confirmed that an incident had occurred at the Woolworths premises and said emergency responders reacted quickly.
“Preller Square Shopping Centre confirms that an incident occurred at the Woolworths premises during the early hours of this morning.
“Emergency services and the South African Police Service (SAPS) responded promptly to the scene, and the matter is currently under official investigation,” management said.
“As the investigation remains ongoing, no further information can be disclosed at this stage. We are pleased to confirm that no injuries nor major damage resulted from this incident.”
The shopping centre added that authorities had completed the necessary safety assessments and declared the centre safe to reopen to the public.
“Following the necessary assessments conducted by the relevant authorities, Preller Square has been declared safe, and the centre has been reopened to the public,” the statement said.
“Management would like to thank SAPS, emergency personnel, tenants, and patrons for their cooperation and support.”
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti said the incident took place at around 03h00 on Friday morning.
“According to reports, the store manager received a call from a security company informing him about an explosion inside the store,” Matoti said.
She said investigators were still working to determine the extent of the damage caused by the blast. “Investigations are underway to determine such details,” she said.
Matoti added that the SAPS explosives unit and other specialised teams were on the scene investigating the cause of the explosion.
Woolworths said it would be hiking vigilance and security at its stores across the country in response to the incident.
The latest incident follows a similar case reported at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria on Thursday, 28 May.
The South African Police Service confirmed that the Menlyn explosion happened at around 01h00 while staff members were working inside the Woolworths store.
According to SAPS Tshwane District spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk, an unknown device exploded on a shelf inside the branch.
Several specialised police units responded to the scene, including detectives, the SAPS K9 Unit, Crime Scene Management teams and the SAPS Bomb Disposal Unit.
Authorities have since launched a full investigation into both the nature of the explosive device and the motive behind the incident. Woolworths also confirmed the Menlyn incident and said no staff members were injured.
Following the Pretoria explosion, the United States Embassy and Consulates in South Africa issued a warning to American citizens regarding visits to Menlyn Park Shopping Centre while investigations continue.
“At approximately 01h00 on 28 May, an explosion occurred at Woolworths at Menlyn Mall. US citizens should avoid the area until further notice,” the embassy said in an alert notice issued on Thursday night.
This article has been updated to link to Woolworths’ response.
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