PRETORIA – An explosion in the early hours of the morning in one of South Africa’s largest shopping malls prompted a large police response and an ongoing investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The explosion incident took place at approximately 01:00 on Thursday 28 May in a Woolworths store in the Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, which is situated on Atterbury Road in Menlyn, Pretoria.

Captain Johan van Dyk, communications coordinator of the SAPS in the Tshwane District, said according to preliminary information, the store manager received a telephone call from personnel stationed at the store informing him of an explosion that occurred inside the premises at approximately 01:00.

The personnel, five packers, were on duty inside the store. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Emergency response services were activated, responded immediately, and cordoned off the scene. It was found that an unknown explosive device detonated on one of the store shelves between the cereal, porridge and biscuit packets.

Damage sustained was limited to food items and shelving inside the store.

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On Monday afternoon, Van Dyk said a full investigation was launched into the matter to determine the nature of the device and the motive behind the incident.

He said members of Crime Scene Management and Forensics are still attending to the scene to determine the nature of the device, processing evidence and following up on all possible leads as part of the ongoing investigation.

Members attached to the SAPS Bomb Disposal Unit, K9 Unit, as well as detectives, are also involved in the investigation.

A case of contravention of the Explosives Act, Act 26 of 1956, Section 27(1)(c), has been registered for investigation.

Public appeal for information

SAPS has appealed to members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist investigators.

“We appeal to anyone who might have information that can assist the police in their investigation to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or send information via the MySAPS App. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” said Van Dyk.

Police investigations are continuing.

• Menlyn Park Shopping Centre currently hosts over 500 stores, has a gross leasable area (GLA) of over 177 000 square metres, with 16 parking entrances and 12 parking exits, and 8 250 parking bays.