Uitenhage police in the Eastern Cape have warned members of the public not to pick up or handle any foreign objects they find in the Strelitzia Dam area.
This comes after two mortars were found at the dam on Friday. According to the Capt. Police spokesperson Gerda Swart said the two people who found the mortars transported it without being aware that it could have fatal consequences.
“It later emerged that the two mortars were still active and could therefore explode. The Port Elizabeth bomb removal unit was informed and the mortars were disabled. “
A third mortar was found on Saturday by a man fishing. “He also unknowingly handled the mortar, but fortunately notified the police after which the bomb removal unit went to the scene and seized it.”
According to Swart, the dam’s levels have dropped over the past few months and this could possibly be the reason for the recent discoveries.
“The police are currently consulting with the authorities to close the dam so that a thorough search by the bomb removal unit can be done to ensure that all mortars were found in the dam.”
Police have requested members of the public to contact the Uitenhage police on 041 996 3434 if they encounter a foreign object in the vicinity of the dam.
“If these mortars are handled incorrectly, they can go off and have fatal consequences,” Swart said.
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