Pretoria – Police have deployed forensic and crime experts to probe two explosions in as many days at Woolworths stores in the Free State and Gauteng provinces.
This week, Woolworths was the target of two separate incidents.
In the early hours of the morning on both Thursday, 28 May 2026, and today, Friday, 29 May 2026, improvised explosive devices were detonated in Woolworths stores.
The first occurred in Pretoria, at the Menlyn Park store, and the second in Bloemfontein at the Preller Square branch.
“While the Woolworths Menlyn Park store has reopened, Woolworths Preller Square remains closed while the investigation is underway,” the store said in a statement.
Commenting on the probe, police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said: “The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirms that the Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has deployed a National Forensic Task Team together with Crime Intelligence experts to investigate the explosions that occurred at Woolworths stores in the Free State and Gauteng provinces”.
Brigadier Mathe added: “Investigations are currently at a very early stage, and all possible motives are being explored by investigators.
“At this stage, it would be premature to classify the incidents as acts of terrorism.”
In the statement, Woolworths stated that the store was relieved to share that no one was harmed in either incident.
“In both instances, the devices were set off between 01:00 and 02:00, when stores were closed,” the statement said.
“Some staff members have, understandably, been affected by the events and Woolworths is providing all of the necessary support to our teams.”
On both occasions, the police were informed immediately, a thorough sweep was done of the areas to ensure no further threats were present, and the Hawks were appointed to investigate.
Woolworths said it has extended its full cooperation to the authorities and will continue to work closely with them as the investigation unfolds. At this stage, no further information on the nature of the devices or the motive behind these attacks is available.
As a precaution, vigilance across Woolworths stores nationwide has increased, and specialist forensic experts have been contracted to strengthen security and intelligence, in support of the work already being done by the authorities.
Sam Ngumeni, incoming Group CEO, said: “Woolworths is a proudly South African brand that stands for integrity and the courage to do the right thing.
“We are taking every action and doing everything in our power to protect our people and customers, who remain our first priority.
“’An attack on our business is an attack on our values, and the millions of people we serve.
“Our business has thrived for nearly a century because our people make the decision each day to show up and excel.
“That won’t change.
“Our doors will stay open, and our values will continue to be evident in every experience, and every product, as they have always done.”
Brigadier Mathe said additional security measures, including monitoring affected premises, will be informed by ongoing investigations and threat assessments.
“The South African Police Service remains alert and will continue to assess the situation as investigations unfold,” Brigadier Mathe said.
“The public is urged to remain calm and allow investigators space to conduct their work.”
