A second bomb threat hoax in as many days was reported when a note found in the female bathroom at Somerset Value Centre, near the Mall, triggered an evacuation and subsequent police search.
The incident occurred on Wednesday (13 November) at 08:30, and caused panic as the Centre effectively shut down for a short period.
According to a spokesperson for the Centre, Leon Gray, management immediately contacted the police, and the facility and immediate vicinity were promptly evacuated.
“The safety of our tenants and shoppers was of utmost importance,” said Gray.
Shoppers and the public were told to wait a safe distance away and looked on as police K9 dog units and the bomb squad combed the area, moving from shop to shop.
At 11:28 the search was called off and police declared that there was no bomb at the Centre, as this was yet another hoax.
Shoppers and staff look on while police comb the area.
The K-9 unit and bomb squad entering the Somerset Value Centre to search for the bomb.
The K-9 unit and bomb squad shown towards the stores at the Centre.
The K-9 unit entering a store during the search.
Initially, a police spokesperson stated that it was an emergency drill exercise, but this statement was later retracted and the bomb threat confirmed.
This is the second bomb threat in the Somerset West precinct in as many days, following yesterday’s (12 November) incident when a bomb threat was called in at Somerset Mall (‘False bomb threat creates chaos at Somerset Mall’, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette).
“I strongly condemn anyone involved in these hoaxes. These pranksters need to remember that emergency services are being taken away from those in real need of our assistance,” said Somerset West Station Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Jacolise Fleischman.
The investigation is still ongoing and Somerset West police were unable to comment on whether the two bomb threats are related.
Somerset West police is calling on anyone with information to contact the station on 021 850 1325
