The Falcons in Bloemfontein are investigating after an explosion in the early hours of Friday morning in the Woolworths store in Prellerplein. (Photo: Provided)
After the two explosion incidents that took place within about 24 hours at two different Woolworths stores, the retail giant has stepped up vigilance at all its stores nationwide as a precautionary measure.
According to Sam Ngumeni, incoming chief executive officer of Woolworths, specialist forensic experts have also been appointed to strengthen security and intelligence in support of the investigative work with which the authorities are already engaged.
This reaction follows after the Falcons in Bloemfontein launched an investigation after an explosion in the early hours of Friday morning in the Woolworths store in Prellerplein.
The first explosion was reported on Thursday morning at a Woolworths store in Menlyn Mall in Pretoria. Five members of staff were in the store at the time of the incident and no injuries were reported.
Also read: Explosion in Woolworths store in Menlyn investigated
The police in Pretoria have started an investigation, after an explosion took place in the Woolworths store in Menlyn Mall in the early hours of Thursday morning. (Photo: Provided)
The same modus operandi was apparently followed in both cases, with the incidents taking place in the food section of the stores.
Ngumeni says that although the Menlyn Mall store has reopened, the Prellerplein store remains closed while the investigation continues.
“This week, Woolworths was the target of two separate incidents in our stores. Most importantly, no one was injured in either incident. In both cases, the devices were activated between 01:00 and 02:00, when the stores were already closed.”
He says some of the staff have been affected by the incidents and are receiving the necessary support.
“The police were notified immediately in both incidents, and a thorough investigation was carried out in the respective stores to ensure that there were no further threats. The Falcons were also appointed to investigate.”
He goes on to say that the retail giant has given its full cooperation to the authorities and will continue to work closely with them as the investigation progresses.
Also read: Second explosion at Woolies store
(Photo: Elisma van der Watt/ Maroela Media)
“At this stage, no further information is known about the nature of the devices or the motive behind these incidents. Woolworths is a proud South African brand that stands for integrity and the courage to do the right thing. We take every action and do everything in our power to protect our people and customers. This remains our first priority. An attack on our business is an attack on our values and the millions of people we serve.”
“Our business has been thriving for almost a century because our people make the decision every day to show up and excel. That will not change. Our doors will remain open, and our values will continue to be evident in every experience and every product as they always have been,” says Ngumeni.