Commercial explosives recovered in abandoned house in Mooi River

Members of the Pietermaritzburg K9 Unit were part of an intelligence-driven operation held in Mooi River yesterday morning, December 18.

The officers proceeded to an abandoned house in Bruntville where they recovered a stash of commercial explosives.

“These explosives have been confirmed to be Viper boosters, which are generally used in mining,” commented police spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo.

While there have been several allegations that the recovered explosives were destined for use at national key points as well as the Mooi River Toll Plaza after the announcement that former President Jacob Zuma may have to return to prison, this has not been confirmed by police.

“Although, not confirmed yet, it is suspected that these explosive may have been intended for automated teller machine (ATM) bombings and/or cash-in-transit heists as similar explosives are known to have been used for this purpose before. These types of explosives have been recovered previously as well,” added Naidoo.

No arrests have been made and police are calling on the public to provide any information.

“Please contact the SAPS on 086 00 10111. All information will be treated with strictest confidence and callers may remain anonymous,” concluded Naidoo.

ALSO READ: Explosives seized as plot to bomb national key points uncovered – report

Large quantity of explosives seized in KZN. Sources say the criminals planned to bomb the N3 Mooi River Toll. pic.twitter.com/doYwrDKR1U

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) December 18, 2021