Incidents Unfold at Major Retailer
Two separate explosions involving explosive devices have occurred at Woolworths stores in South Africa within a 48-hour period, prompting swift responses from law enforcement and the retailer itself. The first incident took place in the early hours of Thursday, 28 May 2026, at the Woolworths branch inside Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria. The second followed on Friday morning at the Preller Square store in Bloemfontein. No injuries were reported in either case, though damage was sustained to shelving and merchandise. Authorities have registered cases under the Explosives Act and are investigating whether the events are connected.
Precise Timeline of the Events
The sequence began around 01:00 on 28 May when staff at the Menlyn Park Woolworths store alerted the manager to an explosion on one of the shelves. Emergency services, including the South African Police Service (SAPS) Bomb Disposal Unit, cordoned off the area. A similar pattern emerged the following day when, at approximately 03:00 on 29 May, an explosion was reported at the Preller Square branch in Bloemfontein. Store management received notification from a security company, leading to immediate police attendance and scene processing by explosives experts.
Details from the Menlyn Park Incident
At the Menlyn Park Shopping Centre on Atterbury Road, five packers were on duty stocking shelves when the device detonated. Preliminary reports indicate an unknown explosive device placed on a shelf caused the blast. Damage was limited to commercial shelving and food items, with the store remaining partially operational while other mall areas stayed open to the public. SAPS Tshwane District spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk confirmed the timeline and noted that a case of contravention of the Explosives Act, Act 26 of 1956, Section 27(1)(c), was opened.
The Bloemfontein Preller Square Blast
The second detonation occurred at the Woolworths Food store in Preller Square, northern suburbs of Bloemfontein. Free State police spokesperson Sgt Mahlomola Kareli confirmed the matter was referred to the Hawks for further investigation. Explosives unit personnel processed the scene to check for secondary devices or additional threats. Shop owners in the centre began assessing potential structural or property damage following the early morning blast. Like the Pretoria event, no injuries occurred and the device appeared to have been placed on shelving.
Law Enforcement and Specialist Response
SAPS in Tshwane initiated the initial probe, while the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, took over aspects of the Bloemfontein case. Both incidents involve the Explosives Act and are being treated with high priority due to the use of devices in public retail spaces. Investigators are examining whether the blasts represent a targeted pattern against the retailer. The SAPS Bomb Disposal Unit played a key role in securing and analysing the Menlyn scene, with similar expertise deployed in Bloemfontein.
Photo by Jeff Kingma on Unsplash
Woolworths Corporate Response and Security Upgrades
Woolworths confirmed both incidents and stated it is cooperating fully with authorities to establish all facts. The retailer has announced enhanced security measures nationwide, including the engagement of private forensic experts. Incoming CEO Sam Ngumeni described an attack on the business as an attack on its values. Additional high-tech security upgrades are being implemented across stores to protect staff and customers. The company emphasised that other parts of affected shopping centres remained accessible while investigations continued.
Public Reaction and Social Media Discourse
News of the incidents spread rapidly on social platforms, with users expressing concern over retail safety and speculating on possible motives. Posts highlighted the similarity in timing and method, noting the early-morning occurrences when staff were present but no customers. Some commentary focused on the retailer's response and the absence of injuries as a positive outcome amid the alarm. Broader discussions touched on the implications for shopping centre security in major urban centres such as Pretoria and Bloemfontein.
Expert Perspectives on Explosive Incidents
Explosives safety expert Jimmy Roodt provided context on the nature of such devices, noting that even relatively small improvised explosive devices can disrupt operations and place workers at risk. Photographic evidence from the scenes shows localised damage consistent with shelf-level detonations. Experts stress the importance of rapid scene processing by specialised units to rule out further threats and gather forensic evidence for ongoing probes.
Implications for Retail Security Across South Africa
The events have prompted a review of security protocols at Woolworths and potentially other retailers. Shopping centres hosting these stores have maintained operations in unaffected areas while cooperating with police cordons. The incidents underscore challenges in protecting large retail environments during off-peak hours when stocking and preparation occur. Woolworths' decision to bolster measures nationwide reflects a proactive stance aimed at restoring confidence among employees and shoppers.
Impact on Staff, Customers and Local Communities
Staff at both locations, including night packers and security personnel, were directly affected by the proximity of the blasts, though all escaped unharmed. Shoppers in Pretoria and Bloemfontein have been advised to remain vigilant, with some centres issuing general safety reminders. Local communities in Tshwane and the Free State have followed developments closely, particularly given the high-profile nature of the Menlyn Park mall and Preller Square centre. The lack of injuries has been widely noted as a mitigating factor in public commentary.
Photo by Emanuel Kypreos on Unsplash
Ongoing Investigations and Future Outlook
Investigations remain active, with authorities yet to confirm any link between the two blasts or identify suspects. Woolworths continues to work alongside SAPS and the Hawks while rolling out enhanced security. The retailer and police have urged the public to report any suspicious activity. As probes advance, further details on the devices and potential patterns are expected. The incidents highlight the need for continued vigilance in retail settings nationwide.
