A second Woolworths outlet at Preller Square in Bloemfontein was hit by an explosion in the early parts of Friday morning.

This follows an explosion which took place in the early parts of Thursday morning at Menlyn Park in the east of Pretoria.

In a statement, Woolworths says the Preller Square branch remains closed while an investigation is under way.

Woolworths says it has increased vigilance across its stores nationwide as a precaution.

The retail group says on both occasions, police did a sweep of the affected stores while the Hawks have been appointed to investigate.

No information on the motive behind the attacks or the explosive devices used are available at the moment.

Incoming Group CEO Sam Ngumeni says Woolworths is relieved that no one was hurt in both incidents.

“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. Some staff members have, understandably, been affected by the events and Woolworths is providing all of the necessary support to our teams. As a precaution, vigilance across Woolworths stores nationwide has increased, and specialist forensic experts have been contracted to strengthen security and intelligence, in support of the work already being done by the authorities.”

Meanwhile, the SA Police Service has also confirmed that an investigation is under way to probe both incidents.

#sapsHQ [SAPS INVESTIGATING EXPLOSIONS AT WOOLWORTHS STORES IN FREE STATE AND GAUTENG]

The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirms that the Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has deployed a National Forensic Task Team together with Crime… pic.twitter.com/k7sXo9XIhJ

— SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) May 29, 2026

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