Police destroy Morningside explosives
Three hand grenades which were found at a flat in Morningside on Thursday afternoon were destroyed police said this afternoon.
THE three hand grenades which were found at a flat in Morningside on Thursday afternoon were destroyed police said this afternoon.
Major Thulani Zwane KZN police spokesman said after the Durban Explosives Section attended to the scene where a hand grenade was discovered at Somthya flats on Smiso (Goble) Road.
Berea Mail earlier reported from the scene that a contractor was digging a trench when they uncovered the grenade in its casing.
Denver Naidoo of LED Electrical and Maintenance Contractors said his company was called in to sort out a major plumbing problem at the flat.
“One of my workers just put the spade in the ground to start digging a trench when he hit something hard. I was two steps away and he called me to check it out and I realised it looked like a hand grenade and called Berea police,” Naidoo said.
Captain Thomas Naidoo and Warrant Officer Chris Durand of Berea SAPS rushed to the scene and confirmed that it was a hand grenade and the Explosives Section was called in.
“The members used metal detectors and further investigation of the scene resulted in a further two grenades being discovered.
The grenades were identified as M26 HE hand grenades. They were removed from the scene and destroyed by means of a controlled detonation. A case of abandonment of explosives will be registered,” said Zwane.
Shocked residents stood outside their cordoned off flat in disbelief as the other hand grenades were found close to the first one on the property. “How are we going to sleep knowing there there were explosives buried in our yard?” said one of the flat residents.
Another resident, MA Cassim, said he was just glad the police found the grenades when they did. “They have checked the place and say its safe so I guess its fine,” he added.
