Police in Mpumalanga have issued a strong warning to community members, urging them to prioritise their safety and refrain from tampering with suspicious objects or handling explosives. This plea follows a tragic incident in Mhluzi, near Middelburg, where a man lost his life after an explosion on Thursday afternoon.
According to Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the man, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, was reportedly handling a bag containing suspected explosives when the explosion occurred. “Preliminary investigations suggest that the individual was carrying the bag with suspected explosives among other items when the blast took place, inflicting fatal injuries,” said Mdhluli.
The incident has raised alarm among law enforcement, particularly because it occurred just a month after a similar fatal explosion in the same area. In that earlier event, two men were attempting to extract copper from what is believed to have been a mortar round. The device exploded, resulting in the death of a 40-year-old man and seriously injuring a 44-year-old.
The Mpumalanga police are now investigating both incidents, working to understand the circumstances and prevent further tragedies. While it is unclear how these individuals came into possession of explosives, the authorities are diligently probing the situation to ensure the safety of the public.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi reiterated the need for community members to exercise extreme caution. “We implore members of the public to avoid handling any unknown or suspicious objects they may come across,” he advised. “If anyone encounters anything unusual, we urge them to contact the police immediately, rather than putting their lives in jeopardy.”
These incidents in Mpumalanga add to a growing list of explosive-related events across South Africa. Recently, SAPS specialised units responded to an ATM bombing, and in a separate case, a woman in Johannesburg was found with high-calibre ammunition, which she claimed to have stolen from her husband in Lesotho. Additionally, a cash-in-transit robber accidentally shot his accomplice while fleeing the scene of a heist.
As authorities continue to investigate and address the illegal handling of explosives, residents are encouraged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to ensure the safety of their communities. The police’s message is clear: lives can be saved if proper precautions are taken.
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