Two shells were discovered by members of the public fishing at the dam on Friday, and a third was found the next day.
The police were alerted when it became apparent what these objects were. A police spokesperson indicated that they were capable of detonation.
With a possible blast radius of some 300m, this could prove lethal.
It is unclear where they may have come from. They are reportedly not of a type used by the South African National Defence Force. Solly Solomon of Knights Training Solutions, a company which conducts training in explosives, told The Herald that it was not uncommon for people to dispose of unwanted goods in rivers. Where being in possession of something was unlawful – as in the case of illegal weapons – dumping it in a river, or dam, was seen as a way of getting rid of it without drawing attention or trouble to oneself.
Police spokesperson Captain Gerda Swart said the level of the dam had been dropping in recent years, and this may account for the appearance of the shells at this time.
If you like what you have just read, become a Friend of the IRR if you aren’t already one by SMSing your name to 32823 or clicking here. Each SMS costs R1.’ Terms & Conditions Apply.