What Happened at Woolworths?
Two small bombs went off at Woolworths stores in Pretoria and Bloemfontein early on May 28 and May 29. The blasts happened while the shops were closed, between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. No one was hurt, but experts say the devices could have caused serious injury or death if anyone had been nearby.
Details of the Blasts
- Menlyn Park, Pretoria – first explosion in the early hours of May 28.
- Preller Square, Bloemfontein – second blast less than 24 hours later, on May 29.
Both explosions were set off when the stores were empty, which limited the chance of casualties.
Expert Opinion
Willem Els on the Devices
Willem Els, a former police explosives investigator now working with the Institute for Security Studies, looked at photos from the crime scenes. He said:
- The bombs contained shrapnel that could have flown through shelves and hit a person.
- Even though no one was injured, the devices were “potentially fatal.”
- The bombs were small and detonated very early in the morning, suggesting the attackers did not want to hurt people.
Possible Motive: Extortion
Els thinks the blasts look like a message rather than an attempt to cause mass harm. He notes:
- The timing and size point to a warning or threat.
- Similar bomb attacks have been used in the past by extortion groups in KwaZulu‑Natal to pressure businesses into paying money.
- The goal may be to scare Woolworths into paying a ransom to stop further attacks.
Woolworths Response
Store Status
- The Menlyn Park store reopened after the first blast.
- The Preller Square branch stayed closed while police investigated.
Security Measures
- Woolworths told the South African Police Service (SAPS) right away.
- The Hawks (Serious Organized Crime Unit) were brought in to lead the investigation.
- The company increased vigilance at all stores and hired forensic experts to improve security and intelligence gathering.
Reaction from Workers Union
The South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU) said:
- They were shocked by the bombings and had not been warned beforehand.
- The union condemned the attacks and stressed that member and customer safety is the top priority.
- SACCAWU confirmed there are no current labor disputes with Woolworths that could be linked to the blasts.
Why This Matters
Even when no one is hurt, bomb threats shake public confidence. They make people feel unsafe shopping and can hurt a business’s reputation. Understanding whether these blasts are part of an extortion scheme helps police and companies prevent future incidents.
Conclusion
The Woolworths blasts were small but dangerous. Experts warn that the devices could have caused serious harm if anyone had been nearby. Investigators suspect the attacks may be a form of extortion meant to pressure the retailer. Woolworths has responded by boosting security and working closely with law enforcement, while unions and the public call for a swift resolution to keep everyone safe.
