Second Woolworths Explosion Reported in South Africa Within 48 Hours
Viable News Team 
Image:sourcingtransparencyplatform.or
Another explosive incident has struck a Woolworths store in South Africa, raising fresh concerns after a second blast was reported within less than 48 hours.
The latest incident occurred during the early hours of Friday morning at the Woolworths branch inside Preller Square Shopping Centre in Bloemfontein.
Shopping centre management confirmed that emergency responders and the South African Police Service reacted swiftly after the explosion was reported.
In a statement, management said no injuries or major structural damage were recorded and that the centre had since been declared safe to reopen following safety assessments by authorities.
According to Hawks spokesperson Fikiswa Matoti, the incident reportedly took place around 03:00 after the store manager was alerted by a security company about an explosion inside the premises.
Police specialists, including the SAPS explosives unit and forensic investigators, were deployed to the scene as authorities launched an investigation into the source of the blast and the extent of the damage.
The incident comes just one day after another explosion targeted a Woolworths store at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria.
In the Pretoria case, police confirmed that an unknown explosive device detonated inside the store shortly after 01:00 while staff members were reportedly working inside the branch. Multiple specialised units, including the SAPS Bomb Disposal Unit, K9 Unit, detectives and crime scene investigators, responded to that incident.
Authorities are now investigating whether the two explosions could be connected, although no official link has yet been confirmed.
Following the latest incident, Woolworths announced that it would increase security and vigilance measures at stores across the country as investigations continue.
The explosions have also drawn international attention. Following Thursday’s blast in Pretoria, the United States Embassy in South Africa issued an advisory urging American citizens to avoid the Menlyn Park area while investigations remain underway.
At this stage, police have not publicly disclosed the motive behind the attacks or whether any suspects have been identified.
The incidents have sparked concern among shoppers and retailers alike, with authorities under pressure to determine who is behind the explosions and whether further threats may exist.
Credit: Information based on statements from SAPS, the Hawks, Woolworths and Preller Square Shopping Centre.
About the Author
