Two Woolworths Stores Targeted by Explosives in SA

Explosive devices detonated inside two Woolworths stores in South Africa within 24 hours, prompting a nationwide security review by the retailer and investigations by elite police units. No injuries were reported in either incident.

The first explosion occurred at approximately 1 a.m. on Thursday inside a Woolworths store at the Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria. Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said five packers were on duty stocking shelves at the time. An unknown device detonated on a store shelf, causing damage limited to food items and shelving. Emergency services cordoned off the scene, and a case was registered for contravention of the Explosives Act.

A second blast followed at about 3 a.m. on Friday at a Woolworths branch in Preller Square, Bloemfontein. According to authorities, the store manager was alerted by a security company. The Hawks, a specialized police unit, took over the investigation. Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said the explosives unit was processing the entire area to determine if any secondary devices were present. The enclosed space amplified the sound of the blast, he noted.

While the Menlyn Park store has...