Eastgate bomb positioned to cause major damage

2011-11-28 17:51

Johannesburg - The explosive device found at Eastgate Mall in Bedfordview near Johannesburg on Monday could have caused major damage, Eyewitness News reports.

The device had been left in a suitcase in front of a jewellery store," said police spokesperson Captain Katlego Mogale.

The police's bomb disposal unit disarmed the device in a controlled explosion after evacuating the mall.

Business has since returned to normal.

EWN reports that police sources believe it was a premeditated crime.

The suitcase reportedly was found beneath the escalator at the food court of the mall.

EWN said the device was planted near the only two restaurants that operate on gas.

Eastgate Centre management confirmed the incident and said: “The safety of our shoppers and tenants is our top priority and centre management acted to ensure that that their safety was not compromised.”

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- News 24