Another Woolworths bomb scare

An incendiary device found at Woolworths in Durban’s city centre was defused yesterday morning after the store was evacuated and the surrounding area cordoned off, according to the Hawks.

Woolworths also confirmed the discovery of the latest device, saying it was “shocked by the recent incidents in KwaZulu-Natal”.

“We can confirm another incendiary device was found in our West Street [now Dr Pixley Kaseme Street] store today,” the retailer said. “As a precautionary measure, we immediately evacuated the store in order to ensure the safety of our people and our customers.”

Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said employees at the store found the suspicious device and the authorities were alerted.

“There was a device and it was defused by our bomb disposal unit,” said Mulaudzi. “There were no injuries reported. “The device itself was found by workers and they called us as soon as possible.”

This incident would be added to the Hawks’ ongoing probe into a string of such incidents, he said.

Residents of Durban have been on edge in recent weeks as hoax calls have been intermingled with the discovery of actual incendiary devices.

The discoveries started on July 5, with one each found in Woolworths stores at Gateway Mall and Pavilion, just hours apart.

On July 7, another device was again found at Woolworths Gateway and another two were found beneath two vehicles a few minutes walk away from the Greyville Racecourse, where the Vodacom Durban July was taking place. – ANA