Police are investigating a suspicious device that was left at the entrance of Kirstenbosch Gardens on Christmas Day. File photo: Ross Jansen Police are investigating a suspicious device that was left at the entrance of Kirstenbosch Gardens on Christmas Day. File photo: Ross Jansen
Durban - Police are investigating a suspicious device that looked like a bomb which was left at the entrance of Kirstenbosch Gardens on Christmas Day.
The popular botanical gardens was open for business on December 25, when the as-yet unidentified object was found.
It was quick-thinking security guards at one of the entrances to Kirstenbosch Gardens who spotted the “explosive device” and then phoned police.
Kirstenbosch management declined to comment on the exact location where the guards found the device.
A source close to the case, who wants to remain anonymous, said police kept the incident quiet because they didn’t want people to panic.
Western Cape police spokeswoman Noloyiso Rwexana confirmed the find to the Daily Voice in a statement.
Rwexana said: “An object resembling an explosive device was found outside the entrance of Kirstenbosch Gardens by security personnel who then immediately alerted the police.”
Rwexana says no one was hurt in the incident and police are still trying to figure out if it was a bomb.
“The SAPS Explosives Unit removed the device from the scene and the matter is currently under investigation in order to determine whether it is in fact an explosive device,” added Rwexana.
No suspects have been identified and no arrests made.
Security is tight at Kirstenbosch and there are numerous CCTV cameras at the entrance and all around the main buildings.
It is unsure if any of the cameras captured footage of the person or persons responsible for planting the object.
Kirstenbosch Gardens curator Philip le Roux did not want to comment on the incident and referred queries to cops.
The venue was used every Sunday in December for the Summer Concerts which is an annual event.
Artists like Jimmy Nevis, Arno Carstens and Mango Groove performed during the series of shows.
Daily Voice