Explosion at Woolworths in Menlyn Mall: Five packers escape injury.
Image: SUPPLIED
Two explosive incidents at Woolworths stores in Pretoria and Bloemfontein have raised concerns about safety, prompting increased security measures across the retailer's branches.
Just a day after an explosive device went off on a shelf inside a Pretoria Woolworths, a second blast has occurred at another of the retailer's branches in Bloemfontein.
The incident happened at the retail giant's outlet in Preller Square, in the northern suburbs of the city, at about 3am on Friday.
Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said the case has been handed over to the elite Hawks unit.
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti said: "The store manager received a call from a security company informing him about an explosion inside the store.
"The local explosives unit and other relevant stakeholders are [at] the scene.
"Investigations into the cause of the explosion are continuing."
Kareli said: "Our explosives unit is still busy at the scene, processing the entire area to determine whether there was a secondary explosion or another device that may have been stored or placed somewhere.
”While the shopping centre itself had reopened, the affected section of the Woolworths store remained sealed off.
“For now, other parts of the mall are open to the public and workers."
In another incident, at least five packers narrowly escaped injury during an explosion at Woolworths in Menlyn Mall.
Tshwane police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said the incident happened at about 1am on Thursday.
This was while workers were busy stocking shelves.
He said no one was injured.
“According to preliminary information, the store manager received a telephone call from personnel stationed at the store informing him of an explosion that occurred inside the premises,” Van Dyk said.
“Emergency response services were activated and responded immediately, and cordoned off the scene.
“It is alleged 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, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.
"Damage sustained was limited to food items and shelving inside the store."
In a statement, Woolworths confirmed both incidents.
“In both instances, the devices were set off between 01:00 and 02:00, when stores were closed. Some staff members have, understandably, been affected by the events and Woolworths is providing all of the necessary support to our teams,” the statement read.
It said as a precaution, 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.
Sam Ngumeni, incoming Group CEO, said: “Woolworths is a proudly South African brand that stands for integrity and the courage to do the right thing. We are taking every action and doing everything in our power to protect our people and customers, who remain our first priority. An attack on our business is an attack on our values, and the millions of people we serve.
"Our business has thrived for nearly a century because our people make the decision each day to show up and excel. That won’t change. Our doors will stay open, and our values will continue to be evident in every experience, and every product, as they have always done.”