Series of explosions hit township of Soweto, killing one person

SOWETO, South Africa (AP) -- A series of bomb blasts rocked the poor township of Soweto early Wednesday, killing one person, ripping a hole in a mosque and damaging several railway stations and rail lines running into the nearby city of Johannesburg.

No group claimed responsibility for the attacks, but authorities said they were investigating whether right-wing militant groups were behind the bombings.

Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula said the first bomb exploded at about 11:55 p.m Tuesday and the ninth went off at about 1:40 a.m. Wednesday. Another bomb was found at a gas station and defused.

"Had it exploded it would have caused maximum damage given the fact we have fuel at the filling station," said Nqakula.

Police fanned out across the massive township and began searching public places, including schools. Roads all over the township were closed.