A second Woolworths store has been hit by an explosion, raising fresh concern after two incidents were reported at branches in Pretoria and Bloemfontein within two days.
The latest blast happened at the Woolworths store at Preller Square Shopping Centre in Bloemfontein in the early hours of Friday morning.
Free State police said the case has been handed over to the Hawks. Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti said the store manager received a call from a security company after an explosion was reported inside the store.
Police said the local explosives unit and other relevant teams were still processing the scene to determine the cause of the blast.
Preller Square Reopens After Checks
Preller Square management confirmed that emergency services and SAPS responded to the incident.
The centre said no injuries or major damage were reported. After safety assessments were completed, the shopping centre was declared safe and reopened to the public.
However, police said the affected section of the Woolworths store remained sealed off while investigators continued checking the area.
Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said the explosives unit was also checking whether there had been a secondary explosion or another device placed in the area.
Menlyn Park Blast Under Investigation
The Bloemfontein incident came shortly after an explosion at the Woolworths store at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria.
SAPS said the Menlyn Park blast happened at around 1am on Thursday while five packers were working inside the store.
Tshwane police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said an unknown explosive device allegedly detonated on one of the shelves.
No injuries were reported. Police said the damage was limited to food items and shelving.
Specialised SAPS units, including detectives, the K9 Unit, Crime Scene Management and the Bomb Disposal Unit, responded to the scene.
Expert Warns Against Early Claims
Explosives expert Jimmy Roodt said it was too early to confirm exactly what type of device was used in the Menlyn Park incident.
After reviewing public images of the damage, Roodt said the blast appeared more consistent with a low-order explosive event than a large high-order detonation.
Woolworths said it was working with authorities to establish the facts and added that the safety of employees and customers remained its priority.
No arrests have been confirmed.
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