This month, bomb scares have been doing the rounds at several Woolworths branches in Durban.

Seven incendiary devices were found at various stores, with the latest one discovered last Thursday at the West Street branch.

Now the retailer is putting its foot down, and Woolies has just announced that it will now be conducting searches of customers.

I know, you Durbanites out there are probably groaning to yourself at the thought of being frisked when all you want to do is get on with your bloody shopping.

It really sounds like a last resort by the retailing giant, but Kay Raidoo, head of divisions at Woolworths, explained the decision in an email to their customers, reports IOL:

We have also instituted a new search process which is for your safety and protection. We realise that these extra security measures may cause you some inconvenience.

We are trying our best to minimise any disruption to your shopping experience.

At this stage the motive behind these incidents is unclear and the investigation is ongoing. We continue to work closely with the relevant authorities, including the South African Police Service, the Hawks’ Crimes against State unit, local and national government as well as our own investigators, who are providing input and guidance.

At least we can say that Woolies is taking this threat seriously.

If the people responsible for planting these devices are possibly the same individuals who carried out the mosque attacks in Malmesbury last month and in Verulam in May, it’s safe to say that these recent events must be taken very seriously.

Stay safe out there, KZN friends.

[source:iol]