Vigilance across Woolworths stores nationwide has been increased, and specialist forensic teams have been contracted to strengthen security and intelligence after explosions at two of their stores.

The first explosion was yesterday (May 28) at the Menlyn Park store in Pretoria, and the second was in Bloemfontein at the Preller Square Shopping Centre today. The Bloemfontein store remains closed, while the Gauteng one has reopened.

Chief customer officer Spencer Sonn confirms that both explosions occurred between 01:00 and 02:00 when the stores were closed.

“Most importantly, I’m relieved to share that no one was harmed in either incident. Some staff members are, understandably, shaken by the events and our team is providing all the necessary support,” Sonn adds.

SAPS swept the areas following the explosions to ensure no further threats were present, while Hawks have taken over the investigation. A national police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, told Caxton Network News that the incidents are being treated separately by police.

Sonn says that, at this stage, no further information on the nature of the devices or the motive behind these attacks is available.

“I understand that times like these can be unsettling and frightening. At Woolworths, we are standing strong in the values that have guided us for decades and helped shape the organisation we are today. Targeted attacks will not deter us,” he says, adding that they will ‘keep showing up, keep opening our doors, for you – our customers’.

Sonn says they will continue to work closely with the authorities as the investigation unfolds.

“Please be assured that we are taking every action and doing everything in our power to protect our people and you, our customers, who remain the highest priority.”

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