CSO awaits forensic report over Glenhazel explosive devices

Last Friday, 24 October, two devices believed to be bombs were found in Glenhazel, Johannesburg. The area in which they were found was cordoned off for the latter part of the day. The SA Jewish Report asked the CSO eight essential questions.

1. Two devices were found in Glenhazel. Were they bombs?

To our belief, they were devices that resembled a bomb. They looked like and had the characteristics of a bomb. Once we hear from forensics, we’ll know more.

2. What exactly do you mean that they were IEDs, but didn’t have explosives in them?

An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) is a bomb or explosive device made in a non-standard way, often from non-military components. IEDs are designed to destroy, incapacitate, harass, or distract, and their purpose is to cause harm to people and property. From our understanding, they were devices built to resemble a bomb/IED. However, the South African Police Service Bomb Squad noted that on initial investigation on the day, they didn’t contain any explosive materials, but again, will confirm more after forensic tests have been done.

3. What’s the purpose of someone doing this?

Either to create fear in the community or to test the security response to the devices. The true purpose we won’t know until we understand who placed them.

4. Do they pose a threat to our community?

At the time, it did pose a threat as we didn’t know if they had explosives in them. Is this a concerning event for the community, yes, 100%, we need to be aware of what’s taking place around us.

5. What should we be vigilant for?

We should be aware of anything out of place or that shouldn’t be there. Anything that makes you uncomfortable or second-guess yourself is something to report.

6. If people in our community see something suspicious, who do they call?

They must call our control room immediately on 0861 800 018.

7. Do they look anything similar to those that were thrown into the Cape Town Jewish precinct in 2024?

No, they were very different. That was a different type of device.

8. Should community activities proceed as normal?

Yes, the community must carry on as normal with a higher level of awareness, and leave it to the CSO to protect them and do what’s necessary to make sure that they are safe.

*More to come on this in the SA Jewish Report.