Verulam family traumatised after false bomb threat

Verulam SAPS is investigating a case of intimidation after a 14-year-old girl received threatening letters as part of a false bomb threat in Mountview, Verulam last Tuesday.

Provincial police spokeswoman, Cpt Nqobile Gwala, said, “A 14-year old girl awoke that morning and found a threatening note on her doorstep. The note was a warning to the family that an explosive device was planted in the vehicle of one of the residents of the home. However, this would prove to be a false claim.”

Local security company, Reaction Unit South Africa, dispatched paramedics and security officers to the scene after receiving multiple calls regarding a bomb threat.

When they arrived, they discovered several burned out matchsticks and a clear substance believed to be an accelerant on the doorstep. They evacuated the area around the family’s vehicle and waited for the arrival of the SAPS Bomb Disposal Unit, who upon arrival, inspected the vehicle and discovered no explosives.

“Nothing was found in the vehicle. Verulam SAPS opened a case of intimidation after the family received threatening letters. The matter is still under investigation. No arrests have been made yet,” added Cpt Gwala.

Head of RUSA, Prem Balram, alleged that reaction officers were informed of an unknown man, who approached the home the previous day and asked for the male resident by name. When the girl would not open the door, he allegedly withdrew a firearm and threatened her with it. Hours later, the residents of the home would find another threatening note.