-Staff Writer / Fri, 16 Jan 2026
A 22-year-old man has died following a fatal explosion in Ikageng near Promosa near Potchefstroom in North West.
According to police spokesperson Thuto Bobelo, the explosion occurred on Saturday evening, 11 January 2026, while the deceased was allegedly cutting metal pieces with an electric grinder in his yard for recycling purposes.
A witness reported hearing a loud bang before discovering the man lying on the ground with multiple open wounds and unresponsive.
He was rushed to Promosa Clinic, where he was declared dead on arrival.
In a statement Bobelo said the Police were alerted and specialists from the Explosives Unit were dispatched to the scene. He said a detailed inspection revealed shrapnel believed to be consistent with a nose fuse of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) device.
Authorities have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to avoid collecting or handling unknown or discarded metal objects, warning that some items may contain dangerous explosive components. Communities, particularly those near military training areas, have been advised to report suspicious objects to police immediately, “Bobelo said.
Police in Ikageng have opened an inquest docket and investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Acting North West Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, said the South African Police Service remains firmly committed to eradicating illegal explosives within our communities and ensuring the safety of the public.
News Junction (Gold Standard)