A second explosion was detonated inside a Woolworths store.
Image: Supplied
Woolworths has ramped up security measures and placed stores across South Africa on heightened alert following two explosions at its branches in Pretoria and Bloemfontein, while the South African Police Service (SAPS) says it is still too early to determine whether the incidents can be classified as acts of terrorism.
The explosions occurred in the early hours of Thursday and Friday at Woolworths stores in Menlyn Park, Pretoria, and Preller Square in Bloemfontein respectively.
SAPS National Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said a specialised investigative team has been deployed to determine what happened and whether the incidents are linked.
"I can confirm that the Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Dimpane, has deployed the National Forensic Task Team together with Crime Intelligence to the scenes to investigate.
"At this stage, it is still too early to determine the motive behind the explosions at the two Woolworths stores in the Free State and North West.
"Investigations are currently at a very early stage and all possibilities are being explored by SAPS.
"It would therefore be premature to classify the incidents as acts of terrorism at this point."
Mathe said SAPS remains vigilant and that any additional security measures would be guided by ongoing investigations and threat assessments.
The latest incident occurred at the Preller Square Woolworths store in Bloemfontein shortly after 3am on Friday.
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti said the Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in Bloemfontein had taken over the investigation.
"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 local SAPS Explosives Unit and other relevant stakeholders are on the scene.
"Investigations into the cause of the explosion are continuing."
The Bloemfontein incident followed a similar explosion at Woolworths' Menlyn Park branch in Pretoria on Thursday morning.
While the Menlyn Park store has since reopened, the Preller Square branch remains closed as investigators comb through the scene.
Woolworths said improvised explosive devices were detonated in both incidents while the stores were closed, between 1am and 2am.
The retailer expressed relief that nobody was injured.
"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.
The retailer added that some employees had understandably been affected by the incidents and that support was being provided to affected staff members.
On both occasions, SAPS was immediately notified and authorities conducted thorough sweeps of the affected premises to ensure there were no additional threats.
The Hawks were subsequently appointed to investigate.
"Woolworths has extended its full cooperation to authorities and will continue to work closely with them as the investigation unfolds. At this stage, no further information on the nature of the devices or the motive behind these attacks is available," the company said.
As a precautionary measure, Woolworths confirmed that vigilance had been increased at all of its stores nationwide.
The retailer has also brought in specialist forensic experts to strengthen security and intelligence gathering in support of the work already being conducted by law enforcement agencies.
Incoming Group Chief Executive Officer Sam Ngumeni said the company remained committed to protecting its employees 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 first priority.
"An attack on our business is an attack on our values, and the millions of people we serve.
"Our business has thrived for nearly a century because our people make the decision each day to show up and excel. That won't change. Our doors will stay open, and our values will continue to be evident in every experience, and every product, as they have always done."
The company has sent out a similar statement to customers.
Authorities have urged the public not to speculate on the motive behind the explosions while investigations remain at an early stage.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za