AT least three explosive devices have been discovered in Durban at the weekend – increasing the tally of bomb-like devices found in KZN’s largest city over the past week to five.
On Saturday two ‘pipe bombs’ were detonated at about the same time in areas within the vicinity of the Durban July, the country’s largest horse racing event.
It was confirmed that in both cases cellphone detonator devices were used.
According to KZN police spokeswoman, Captain Nqobile Gwala, both devices were used to target vehicles and no injuries were reported.
‘At Marriott Road just after 10pm a device was found under a vehicle.
‘The second incident took place at Avondale and Milner roads after 11pm after an unknown device exploded in a vehicle.’
Earlier that day an ‘incendiary device’ had been found planted in Woolworths in Gateway.
The entire store had to be evacuated as the Explosive Unit moved in to remove the device which had been hidden between cushions on sale in the store.
This was the second ‘incendiary device’ found in Woolworths in Gateway after one had caused a fire and prompted an evacuation of the shop on Thursday.
A similar device is believed to have been planted in Woolworths in Pavilion on Wednesday‚ which had been detonated overnight.
This prompted an official response from the popular retail outlet.
‘We can assure the public that we take these incidents in KZN seriously and we are doing all we can to ensure the safety of our people and our customers,’ said Woolworths spokeswoman Kirsten Hewett.
KZN Premier Willies Mchunu condemned the incidents and assured the province that these cases would be prioritised.
‘We condemn in the strongest possible terms the placing of bomb-like devices in public places, whose only intention can be to plant fear and insecurity among the citizens of KwaZulu-Natal.
‘We call for calm during this time and request that government is given the space to conduct the necessary investigations into this matter.
‘We will work very closely with the Inter-Ministerial Committee, which is led by Minister of Police Bheki Cele.
‘We already had several fruitful engagements and have made significant progress.’
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