The South African Police Service (SAPS) says it is exploring all possible motives behind two explosions at Woolworths stores in Gauteng and the Free State, but has cautioned that it is too early to classify the incidents as acts of terrorism.

Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has deployed a National Forensic Task Team and Crime Intelligence experts to investigate the blasts, which occurred at Woolworths stores in Pretoria and Bloemfontein within 24 hours of each other.

“Investigations are currently at a very early stage, and all possible motives are being explored by investigators,” SAPS said in a statement on Friday.

The retailer confirmed that improvised explosive devices (IED’s) were detonated at its Menlyn Park store in Pretoria in the early hours of Thursday morning and at its Preller Square branch in Bloemfontein on Friday.

Both explosions occurred between 1 am and 2 am while the stores were closed, and no injuries were reported. During the Menlyn blast, five packers were working nearby.

Woolworths said the Menlyn Park store has since reopened, while the Bloemfontein branch remains closed as authorities continue their investigation.

The company notified police immediately after both incidents, with the Hawks appointed to investigate. Woolworths says it is fully cooperating with law enforcement agencies and has increased security measures across its stores nationwide.

At this stage, neither the police nor the retailer has disclosed details about the nature of the devices or a possible motive, adding to the mystery surrounding the attacks.

Incoming Woolworths Group CEO Sam Ngumeni described the incidents as an attack on the company’s values and the millions of customers it serves, while reaffirming that the retailer would continue operating.

With no arrests announced and no group claiming responsibility, investigators are working to determine who was behind the explosions and why Woolworths was targeted.