By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: Hetty Zantman.
SA Police Services (SAPS) are investigating two separate explosions that hit Woolworths stores in just over 24 hours of each other, amid fears and security concerns across the country.
The first incident occurred at the Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria early on Thursday morning, May 28, while the second blast took place at the Preller Square Shopping Centre in Bloemfontein just hours later, on Friday, May 29.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the explosion at Menlyn Park was reported around 01:00, coinciding with the presence of staff members inside the Woolworths store.
Fortunately, the quick responses from emergency services ensured that no injuries were reported at either location.
The Menlyn Park store has since reopened, but the Preller Square remains closed while the investigation is underway.
The retailer said the police are investigating the matter, and the retailer has extended its full cooperation to authorities and will continue to work closely with them as the investigation unfolds.
SAPS Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, urged the public to remain calm and patient as investigations unfold.
“It would be premature to classify these incidents as acts of terrorism at this stage, said Dimpane”.
Incoming Group CEO Sam Ngumeni affirmed that Woolworths would remain resilient, allowing its doors to stay open and continue delivering quality service to customers.
“Woolworths is a proudly South African brand that stands for integrity and the courage to do the right thing,” said Ngumeni said.
“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.”
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.