By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
An explosion incident which reportedly occured at a suspected old military base site at Avalon in Mhluzi(Middleburg) on Sunday 25 August, is under investigation by the South African Police Service(SAPS).
A 40-year-old male was reportedly killed during the incident, while another male(44)is said to have sustained some injuries.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Donald Mdhluli, said two individuals were allegedly trying to get some copper from the what is believed to be a mortar round. The said mortar round allegedly exploded, leading to the death and injury of the two men.
” An investigation of inquest is underway and part of that probe will be to get some clarity on what drove the two individuals to that vicinity. Circumstances surrounding this tragic incident are also being investigated,” said Mdhluli.
The Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major-General(Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has cautioned members of the public against handling suspicious objects that can put their lives in danger. He encouraged members of the public to report suspicious things to the authorities.
” Safety remains our highest priority as we conduct our investigation into this incident, however we also urge parents to warn your children on the dangers of objects which they find laying somewhere as this can be detrimental to the young ones,” said Mkhwanazi.
Colonel Mdhluli said the Emergency Medical Services(EMS) personnel promptly attended the scene of the explosion and the injured man was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
