WOOLWORTHS store rocked by explosion.
The city of Mangaung Metro in Bloemfontein, Free State, was shaken by an explosion at the Woolworths store in Preller Square in the northern suburbs during the early hours of Friday, 29 May 2026.
Police launch investigation
Police confirmed that an explosion took place inside the Woolworths Food store. No further explosive devices were found inside the shop.
Cops secured the affected section of the shopping centre while police personnel, supported by K9 and explosives units, carried out an extensive sweep of the premises following concerns that a secondary explosive device may have been planted.
Police spokeswoman Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the South African Police Service 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 Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria, Gauteng.
"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," she said.
Athlenda said police remain alert and will continue to assess the situation as investigations unfold.
"The additional security measures, including monitoring around affected or related premises, will be informed by ongoing investigations and threat assessments. The public is urged to remain calm and allow investigators space to conduct their work," she said.
ALSO READ | Mkhwanazi: 'This award belongs to our cops!'Opens in new window
Woolworths responds
Woolworths incoming Group CEO Sam Ngumeni said the company is relieved that no one was harmed in the incidents.
Ngumeni explained that in both cases, the devices were set off between 1am and 2am when the stores were closed.
"The staff members have, understandably, been affected by the events and Woolworths is providing all the necessary support to our teams. On both occasions, SAPS was 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 has extended its full cooperation to 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.
He said Woolworths is a proudly Mzansi 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," he said.
