SABC bomb threat an emergency drill

Friday’s alleged bomb threat at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) turned out to be an emergency drill.
According to Polokwane Municipality’s Communications Manager Matshidiso Mothapo the exercise was a random and planned emergency drill to assess response time to such a threat and if staff will not be trapped in the building should similar threats, including fire, occur.
He added that the municipality’s disaster management department randomly choose buildings within the city by simulating an emergency situation in order to determine employees’ readiness.
The road between Hospital and Landdros Maré streets was cordoned off by Police and emergency services personnel for several hours on Friday as SABC employees gathered outside the building.
On the scene it was alleged that a brown box had been found in the building. The Police’s bomb squad was also on the scene to examine the box while the fire brigade was on standby in case of a fire or employees being trapped inside the building.
SABC Spokesperson Vuyo Mthembu could not be reached for comment at the time of going to print.

Story/photo: RC Myburgh
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