An explosive device detonated inside the Woolworths store at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria early on Thursday morning, triggering a major police response and an investigation by the SAPS Bomb Disposal Unit.

Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said the incident occurred at around 01:00 on 28 May after store personnel alerted management to an explosion inside the premises.

Emergency services responded to the scene and the area was immediately secured.

Preliminary investigations indicate that an unidentified explosive device detonated on one of the store shelves. Five packers were inside the store at the time, but no injuries were reported.

Van Dyk said the blast caused limited damage to shelving and food products within the store.

Specialised SAPS units, including the Bomb Disposal Unit, K9 Unit, Crime Scene Management and detectives, attended the scene to gather evidence and investigate possible leads.

Police have opened a case relating to the contravention of the Explosives Act, Act 26 of 1956.

Investigations are ongoing.

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