The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a high-level investigation into explosions that occurred at Woolworths stores in the Free State and Gauteng, with national forensic and crime intelligence experts now leading the investigation.
SAPS confirmed that Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has deployed a National Forensic Task Team alongside crime intelligence specialists to investigate the incidents.
Police spokesperson Brigadier General Athlenda Mathe said investigators are still in the early stages of the investigation and have not yet determined the motive behind the explosions.
“Investigations are currently at a very early stage and all possible motives are being investigated by investigators,” Mathe said.
Authorities also warned against speculation and stressed that it was too early to label the incidents as terrorism-related.
“At this stage it would be premature to classify the incidents as acts of terrorism,” Mathe added.
SAPS said law enforcement agencies remain on high alert as they monitor developments related to the case.
Additional security interventions will depend on the outcome of ongoing investigations and threat assessments.
“SAPS remains alert and will continue to assess the situation as investigations progress,” Mathe said.
Police have urged the public to remain calm as investigators carry out their work.
“The public is urged to remain calm and allow investigators to carry out their work,” SAPS said.
No arrests have been announced and police have not revealed whether the explosions in the two provinces are related.
IOL news
Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za