Fleeing suspects abandon explosive devices at mosque

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Greenwood Park are investigating a case of illegal possession of explosives after the discovery of two home-made explosive devices were found at a mosque along Kenneth Kaunda Road, Durban North, on Monday, July 8.

KZN provincial spokesman Brigadier Jay Naicker said preliminary investigations indicates that at 1.30am, the unknown suspects were on Kenneth Kaunda Road when they were interrupted by a security vehicle that was patrolling the area.

“The suspects fled and threw the devices into the mosque premises. The security officer saw what happened and found the devices inside the mosque premises. He immediately suspected that it was explosive devices and contacted the necessary authorities who in turn contacted the police,” said Brigadier Naicker.

Police Bomb Technicians confirmed that it was home-made explosive devices that consisted of commercial explosives. The devices were not set up to explode. It is suspected that the men were on route to an unknown location with the devices when they were disturbed by the security officer, said Brigadier Naicker.

“Investigations to locate the suspects are ongoing. We commend the security officer who found the devices as he did not touch them and immediately alerted the authorities. We appeal to members of the community to follow his example and not to pick up any suspicious devices that they may come across,” said Brigadier Naicker.