Local authorities on scene of the bomb threat at Eikestad Mall in Stellenbosch. This was the second bomb threat in the space of a week in Stellenbosch. Photo: Dennis Delport
Stellenbosch was the subject of a second bomb-threat in the space of a week, this time at Eikestad Mall in central town.
On Monday morning, the mall came to a total shutdown and was evacuated after police received a phone call in which a bomb threat was made. Streets surrounding the mall were also closed down, which included Andringa and Bird Street.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Stellenbosch confirmed the events to MatieMedia. “We received a phone call just after 10 am in which a bomb threat was made,” the spokesperson of the Stellenbosch SAPS, captain Nathalie Martin said.
“The caller did not mention where the bomb was situated but said it was located in the Eikestad Mall itself. This made the operation very difficult and the whole of the mall had to be shut-down and evacuated.”
The centre management of Eikestad Mall also confirmed the events, “Eikestad Mall Centre Management can confirm a bomb threat was received on 11 March 2019. We received a call to the Centre Management offices at 10:15 am to advise that there is a possible bomb in the mall,” Ronelle le Roux, Marketing Manager of Eikestad Mall said.
“The SAPS and bomb squad were called immediately, the centre was evacuated, and the specialised K-9 unit completed a full sweep of the centre.”
Martin confirmed that the search for the bomb was negative, “Police, the dog unit and bomb squad swiped through the mall and cleared it as negative by 12:30 pm. The mall was then reopened for business.”
No injuries were reported during the evacuation.
While the mall was swiped for the alleged bomb, people gathered outside the mall in total confusion and frustration. An official of the mall who was on the scene, asking to remain anonymous, told MatieMedia he understands the frustration of the public. “It is frustrating but it is in the public’s best interest. If we let people in and the bomb goes off, we could have serious consequences and will be liable for those damages,” he said. “Cars can also not leave the building as the bomb could be placed underneath them.”
Martin said investigations are ongoing but no arrests have yet been made.
Last week, the Stellenbosch town hall was the subject of a bomb threat during the US-Woordfees. Authorities then later confirmed to MatieMedia that it was only a bag which was misplaced. It is also not the first time that Eikestad Mall is the subject of a bomb threat as a previous one was made back in 2017.
Also read:
https://www.smfnews.org/bom-tas-al-die-tyd-toe-net-verlore-tas/
https://www.smfnews.org/stellenbosch-town-hall-experiences-bomb-scare-during-woordfees/