Undefined Explosive Device (UED) event in South Africa on Fri 29th May 2026

Just a day after an explosive device went off on a shelf inside a Pretoria Woolworths, a second blast has occurred at another of the retailer's branches in Bloemfontein.

The incident happened at the retail giant's outlet in Preller Square, in the northern suburbs of the city, at about 3am on Friday.

Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said the case has been handed over to the elite Hawks unit.

Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti said: "The store manager received a call from a security company informing him about an explosion inside the store.

"The local explosives unit and other relevant stakeholders are [at] the scene.

"Investigations into the cause of the explosion are continuing."

Kareli said: "Our explosives unit is still busy at the scene, processing the entire area to determine whether there was a secondary explosion or another device that may have been stored or placed somewhere.

”While the shopping centre itself had reopened, the affected section of the Woolworths store remained sealed off.

“For now, other parts of the mall are open to the public and workers."

In another incident, at least five packers narrowly escaped injury during an explosion at Woolworths in Menlyn Mall.

Tshwane police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said the incident happened at about 1am on Thursday.

This was while workers were busy stocking shelves.

He said no one was injured.

“According to preliminary information, the store manager received a telephone call from personnel stationed at the store informing him of an explosion that occurred inside the premises,” Van Dyk said.

“Emergency response services were activated and responded immediately, and cordoned off the scene.

“It is alleged that an unknown explosive device detonated on one of the store shelves.

“At the time of the incident, five packers were on duty inside the store, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.

"Damage sustained was limited to food items and shelving inside the store."