Home-made explosive devices found outside Durban North mosque

Greenwood Park police are investigating a case of illegal possession of explosives after the discovery of two home-made explosive devices at the Musjid ur Rahmaan, situated on Kenneth Kaunda Road in Northway, Durban North, this morning.

Police bomb technicians were called out to the scene shortly after 01:30 and confirmed the devices consisted of commercial explosives.

Provincial SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker says the security officer patrolling the area was key in discovering the devices.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that unknown [men] were on Kenneth Kaunda Road when they were interrupted by a security vehicle that was patrolling the area. The suspects fled and threw the devices into the mosque’s premises. The security officer saw what happened and found the devices inside the mosque premises. He immediately suspected that it was explosive devices and contacted the necessary authorities who in turn contacted police.

“The devices were not set up to explode. It is suspected that the men were en route to an unknown location with the devices when they were disturbed by the security officer,” says Naicker.

Investigations to locate the men are ongoing.

“We commend the security officer who found the devices as he did not touch them and immediately alerted authorities,” says Naicker.

Yusuf Desai, a trustee of the mosque, confirmed that authorities are reviewing footage from the mosque and security company cameras.

“The mosque has heightened security measures.

“[We] urge anyone with information on or motives behind the bombing attempt, or who may have been in the vicinity during the incident, to contact law enforcement or the mosque directly. Efforts to apprehend those responsible will be relentless and thorough,” he says.

The mosque remains open and is welcoming visitors as usual.