Bomb squad, but barely equipped

Specialised explosives equipment is demonstrated during the North West Provincial Legislature’s oversight visit to the SAPS Explosives Unit in Brits.

Platinum Weekly newspaper | Brits, Rustenburg – A police unit tasked with responding to bomb threats and explosives-related incidents across a large part of Bojanala is operating with just four police officers, inadequate vehicles and concerning security shortcomings.

The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management raised the alarm following an oversight visit to the SAPS Explosives Unit in Brits, earlier in August 2026.

According to the committee, the highly specialised unit serves 16 police stations, stretching from Marikana to Makapanstad, and is responsible for bomb disposal, bomb threats, explosives control, mine inspections and other explosives-related incidents.

Yet the unit reportedly has only four police officers and one cleaner. Its vehicle situation is equally concerning. Of three vehicles allocated to the unit, one is reportedly standing without tyres, another is undergoing repairs, while a third has been at a SAPS garage for approximately six months. The Brits unit has consequently had to borrow a vehicle from the Rustenburg Explosives Unit to perform its duties.

The committee also raised serious concerns about the unit’s premises. “The leased facility is shared with other tenants and situated next to a busy restaurant, while reportedly having no CCTV cameras, alarm system or dedicated security personnel,” the North West Provincial Legislature reported.

Similar challenges were identified at the Rustenburg Explosives Unit, prompting concerns that the problems may extend beyond Brits.

Committee chairperson Freddy Sonakile described the situation as unacceptable. “These are specialised units entrusted with dealing with some of the most dangerous and sensitive policing operations,” Sonakile said, stressing that officers cannot be expected to protect communities from explosive threats without adequate resources, security and suitable facilities.

The committee plans to formally approach SAPS national management requesting urgent intervention. The Civilian Secretariat for Police Service has also been tasked with inspecting the province’s remaining three Explosives Units to determine how widespread the problems are.

Immediate corrective action is needed.