Two explosions have been reported at Woolworths stores in South Africa over the past week. The first was at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria at 1.00 am on 28 May; the second was at Preller Square Shopping Centre in Bloemfontein at around 3.00 am on 29 May.
Both incidents involved unknown explosive devices detonating on store shelves during the early morning hours while staff were stocking shelves or working in the stores. While no arrests had been made at the time of writing, the police were investigating a case under Section 27(1)(c) of the Explosives Act.
Neither attack caused injuries, but the presence of explosives in public spaces raises concerns. While criminal threats are the norm in South Africa’s high-crime society, bomb scares have not been top of mind for many years.
Despite the explosions being ‘small’, SMART Security Solutions asked Jimmy Roodt, an experienced and accredited explosive ordnance disposal specialist from Gauntlet Security Solutions, for his insight into the events. Roodt’s analysis is based on an image from the Menlyn explosion and not on a personal investigation. We hope SAPS will shed more light on these incidents shortly.
What likely happened
This does not appear to be a high-explosive detonation (such as a military-grade explosive, large pipe bomb, or commercial explosive like TNT or ANFO).
Key observations from the image include:
• Limited structural damage:
• The shelves are still standing.
• There is no major structural collapse, no blown-out walls, and no widespread shattering of fixtures.
• Scattered but mostly intact products:
• Many items (chips, snacks, drinks) are on the floor, but most of them appear undamaged.
• There is no visible charring, burning, or melting of plastic packaging in the areas shown.
• Pattern of debris: The products seem to have been knocked off the shelves rather than destroyed by fragmentation or intense blast.
Most probable explanation
Roodt says his visual analysis shows the explosions are consistent with a low-order explosion, most likely a small improvised explosive device (IED) or a partial, low-yield detonation. The possible devices that could cause this kind of damage include:
• Small pipe bomb (low explosive filler).
• Small improvised explosive with a limited main charge.
• Possibly a petrol bomb or incendiary device that partially functioned (though fire damage is not clearly visible in the image).
Roodt continues that it probably was not a high-explosive device (e.g. military explosives, large commercial explosives, or well-made high-order IEDs). These would have caused significantly more destruction, fragmentation and structural damage.
“Based purely on the image, this looks like the result of a small, low-yield improvised explosive device that caused items to be blown off shelves but did not produce a powerful, high-order detonation.”
Roodt adds: “This is only an analysis based on the image shared. The official investigation by the SAPS Bomb Disposal Unit and detectives will determine the exact device and cause. They have already opened a case under the Explosives Act, which suggests that an explosive device was involved.”
About Jimmy Roodt
A globally experienced and accredited explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialist, Jimmy has offered his expertise in bomb and IED mitigation across various conflict-affected nations, including Somalia, Libya, Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Estonia, Vietnam and Taiwan. Recognised for his humanitarian contributions, particularly in Vietnam, Jimmy has been honoured with the Vietnam Friendship Medal for his significant role in safeguarding lives against explosive threats.
Over the past few years, Jimmy has focused on the development, implementation and management of private bomb first-responder and explosive-disposal services for the corporate sector. His expertise encompasses CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive) services, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), bomb awareness training, and the development and implementation of bomb mitigation policies and protocols.
For more information, contact Jimmy Roodt, Gauntlet Security Solutions, jimmy@gauntletss.com
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