WWII bomb found, detonated in KZN lake
A 4.5kg World War II skip bomb was found on the bare bed of Lake Mzingazi, near Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal earlier this week.
The bomb was safely detonated by the SAPS explosives unit on Tuesday morning on the edge of the lake, which lies near a country club and golf course, to avoid an accidental blast, Zululand Observer reported.
The explosive was the third found in the area since last year, and more are expected to reveal themselves as water levels continue to drop throughout the province.
During the war period, Lake Mzingazi was used as a WWII Catalina aircraft base and the skip bombs were originally mounted on military planes and dropped strategically during air raids.
City councillor Frik Bosman, who discovered the bomb on Monday, warned more dangerous weapons were likely to re-emerge as the lake got emptier.
“The area is continually swept, but if anyone uncovers another iron or rusted object by chance, stay at bay and report it to the police.”
The explosives unit also urged community members to be cautious in the area, saying people should not tamper with explosives if they came across them, as they could still be live.
– Caxton News Service
Read original story on zululandobserver.co.za
