The United States Embassy and Consulates in South Africa have issued a warning to US citizens about visiting Menlyn Park Shopping Mall following the explosion at the Woolworths store.
In an alert notice issued on Thursday night, the embassy urged visitors to remain cautious while authorities continue their investigation.
“At approximately 01h00 on 28 May, an explosion occurred at Woolworths at Menlyn Mall. US citizens should avoid the area until further notice,” the embassy said.
It added that the South African Police Service (SAPS) discovered a small device during a sweep of the area after the blast.
While no injuries were reported and the advisory described damage as minimal, police have not yet confirmed whether the incident was isolated.
“SAPS is still investigating the situation, and it is unclear whether this was an isolated incident,” the embassy said.
The embassy advised Americans to exercise caution when visiting the Menlyn Mall area, remain aware of their surroundings, and avoid large crowds.
It also advised Americans to monitor local media for updates and follow instructions from local authorities. It also urged people to report suspicious activity immediately and plan alternative routes where possible.
Menlyn Park Shopping Centre is one of the largest shopping malls in South Africa and a major retail destination in Pretoria.
Located on the corner of Lois Avenue and Atterbury Road, the mall is the second-largest in the country behind Fourways Mall, with a gross lettable area of 177,000 square metres.
The shopping centre houses more than 400 stores, including international brands, local boutiques, and major anchor tenants such as Checkers, Pick n Pay, and Woolworths. It also features extensive dining options and a movie complex.
Despite its prominence and security measures, an explosive device detonated inside the Woolworths store on Thursday, causing damage to part of the store.
Woolworths is heightening surveillance across its stores
Images released by SAPS show damage in the breakfast cereal aisle, where the blast ripped through shelves, scattering products across the floor.
Twisted metal shelving, shattered display panels and debris can be seen throughout the damaged section of the store.
Police said several specialised SAPS units responded to the scene immediately after the explosion, including detectives, the SAPS K9 Unit, Crime Scene Management teams and the SAPS Bomb Disposal Unit.
Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine both the nature of the device and the motive behind the incident.
Woolworths confirmed the incident in a statement and expressed relief that no staff members were harmed.
The retailer said the store reopened at 13h00 after police determined that it was safe to resume operations.
“We understand this news may be concerning for our people, customers and community,” the company said.
“As a precaution, we have heightened vigilance and surveillance across our stores. The safety of our people and our customers remains our highest priority, and Woolworths is fully committed to maintaining a secure environment.”
