Yesterday, residents of Springs, Ekurhuleni, were left reeling after a substantial arms cache was uncovered in the backyard of a suburban home.
The presence of 36 60mm mortar shells, an illegal firearm, and various rounds of ammunition highlights the potential dangers lurking in unsuspecting neighbourhoods. An investigation prompted by a casual worker’s digging led to this alarming find and a swift response from the South African Police Service (SAPS) bomb disposal unit.
– Advertisement –
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Man Arrested With Rifles, Handguns And 273 Rounds Of Ammo
Background of the Property Owner
The property owner, a 61-year-old man with a background in pre-1994 administration law enforcement, allegedly collected military memorabilia. Initial reports suggest he tried to prevent the worker from digging in a specific area, forewarning of buried explosives.
This raises questions about his awareness of the dangers associated with these munitions and his motives for purchasing them from an unidentified source, only to be buried in his garden.
The Risks of Explosive Preservation
The danger posed by the buried mortars is significant. Each mortar can contain up to 400 grams of explosive material, totalling between 9kg to 14kg of pure explosives for the entire cache.
Should these devices detonate collectively, the impact radius could extend to 50 meters, with severe injuries likely within a 900-meter range. Neighbours fortunate enough to witness the bomb disposal operation expressed their disbelief at the potential disaster that could have unfolded.
Moreover, even in the absence of detonators, the possibility of an explosion remains due to the deterioration of shells, heat exposure, or environmental factors.
– Advertisement –
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Two Police Officers Arrested For Alleged Kidnapping And Extortion
Residents underscore the improbability that a collection of military memorabilia could escalate into a community-wide emergency.
Authorities are investigating potential charges against the homeowner, including illegal possession of firearms and explosives. The sheer volume of explosives raises the spectre of terrorism-related charges, as initial assessments place the possibility of extensive harm to the public at risk.
– Advertisement –