Expert warns Woolworths bombings could be linked to extortion campaign
Woolworths has increased vigilance at its stores nationwide after improvised explosive devices were detonated at its Menlyn Park and Preller Square branches.
Image: SUPPLIED
An explosives expert has warned that two improvised explosive devices detonated at Woolworths stores in Pretoria and Bloemfontein could have been “possibly lethal,” even though no injuries were reported.
Willem Els, a former SAPS explosives investigator and consultant with the Institute for Security Studies, indicated that the incidents may be linked to an extortion campaign against the retailer.
"A bomb is a bomb. It will always be dangerous even if no one was hurt," Els said.
The first explosion took place in the early hours of Thursday, May 28, at Woolworths Menlyn Park in Pretoria. The second happened less than 24 hours later, in the early hours of Friday, May 29, at the Woolworths Preller Square branch in Bloemfontein.
Woolworths has confirmed that both devices were detonated while the stores were closed, between 1am and 2am. The retailer said no one was harmed in either incident.
The Menlyn Park store has since reopened, while the Preller Square branch remains closed as the investigation continues.
Els said that while there was still limited information available and police investigations would have to determine the facts, an assessment of images from the scene suggested the devices could have caused serious injury or death.
"We don’t have much information and could only go on the assessment of the pictures that were supplied. We see that there was some shrapnel, and if that shrapnel that went through the shelves had hit a person or they were nearby, it could have killed them. It is possibly lethal," he said.
Els said the timing of the blasts and the apparent size of the devices suggested that those responsible may not have intended to cause mass casualties, but rather to send a message.
"The bomb was also small in size, and the fact that they both detonated quite early in the morning in both instances tells us that the perpetrators did not want it to hurt people. It was a message," he said.
Explosion at Woolworths in Menlyn Mall: Five packers escaped injury.
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Els said South Africa had previously seen similar attacks in KwaZulu-Natal, where extortion rackets used explosive devices to threaten businesses.
He said in suspected extortion cases, perpetrators often used threats to damage public trust and pressure businesses into meeting their demands.
"It’s not just about bombing, it affects the public trust in the outlet and customer safety, and so it is damaging for the outlets. That is what the perpetrators are bargaining on, that the outlets will cave in and meet their demands to protect the outlets and the people," Els said.
In a statement, Woolworths said it was the target of two separate incidents this week.
"While the Woolworths Menlyn Park store has reopened, Woolworths Preller Square remains closed while the investigation is under way," the company said.
"Most importantly, Woolworths is 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 company said SAPS was informed immediately on both occasions, a thorough sweep was done to ensure no further threats were present, and the Hawks were appointed to investigate.
"At this stage, no further information on the nature of the devices or the motive behind these attacks is available," Woolworths said.
The retailer said vigilance across Woolworths stores nationwide had increased, and specialist forensic experts had been contracted to strengthen security and intelligence.
Incoming Woolworths Group CEO Sam Ngumeni said the company was doing everything in its power to protect workers and customers.
"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 priority," Ngumeni said.
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in Bloemfontein said it was investigating an alleged explosion at a clothing store in Preller Square.
"According to reports, at around 3:00 on Friday, 29 May 2026, the store manager received a call from a security company informing him about an explosion inside the store," the Hawks said.
The South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union, which represents a number of Woolworths workers, said it was shocked by the bombings and had not been informed by the employer or employees before being approached for comment.
SACCAWU’s Sithembile Tshwete said the union condemned the attacks.
"We don’t support such acts as a union, and we hope that our members were kept safe," Tshwete said.
"The safety of our members and customers is paramount to us, and we urge SAPS to leave no stone unturned and ensure that those groups that have caused this are brought to book."
Tshwete said the union was not aware of any labour dispute or grievance involving its members that could be linked to the bombings.