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Bomb threat landscape in South Africa

Over the past 25 years, South Africa has faced thousands of bomb threats and explosive incidents annually, imposing a significant economic burden on the nation, costing billions of rand. Despite this alarming trend, it is concerning that many sectors continue to employ outdated and inadequate bomb threat protocols.

South Africa experiences over 12 000 bomb threats annually, with at least 85% deemed hoaxes or false alarms. However, these threats cannot be disregarded, and appropriate actions must always be taken to ensure the safety of all individuals. Bomb threats have impacted almost every industry, including shopping malls, banks, hotels, business parks, sports arenas, hospitals, schools, universities, restaurants, churches, mosques, and even courts and the House of Parliament. No one is immune to the scourge of bomb threats.

Most recently, a bomb was found at a Mosque in KZN; earlier in the year, a school in KZN was evacuated after a bomb threat (no device was found); and a mortar bomb was discovered in a scrapyard in June 2024, also in KZN. These are only three bomb events that happened this year, not mentioning the growing number of ATM bombings.

These bomb threats and explosives-based crimes have cost the South African economy tens of billions of rand. The private sector both in the past and currently still relies on outdated bomb threat protocols that are barely distinguishable from fire emergency procedures. This approach is not only ineffective but also dangerously inadequate. The conflation of bomb threat protocols with fire threat management procedures significantly increases risks to public safety and can result in severe civil or criminal liabilities for employers.

Assessments of bomb threat protocols at prestigious hotels, malls, schools, universities, banks, and others have revealed a concerning lack of compliance with basic safety standards for bomb threats. Most institutions do not have protocols that meet essential criteria for managing bomb threats effectively.

To address these issues, comprehensive risk assessments should be conducted to identify vulnerabilities and develop tailored management plans for bomb threats. It is crucial to develop and implement bomb threat protocols that are distinct from fire threat management procedures to ensure appropriate and effective responses. Adherence to legislative frameworks, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Acts, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993), which mandate workplace safety through bomb risk assessments, bomb threat response plans, evacuation plans, and assembly points, is essential.

To enhance readiness and response capabilities, specialised training for staff and security personnel should be given on bomb threat management. Engaging with security experts and consultants to develop and implement robust bomb threat protocols and provide a private bomb first responder service, is highly recommended.

Ensuring the safety of patrons and properties is non-negotiable. It is imperative that all entities urgently re-evaluate and enhance their bomb threat procedures to protect lives and infrastructure effectively. By adopting comprehensive and distinct bomb threat protocols, businesses can significantly mitigate risks and ensure a safer workplace environment for all.

For more information, contact Gauntlet Security Solutions, +27 82 443 8727, [email protected]

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