A total of eight suspects were arrested in a multi-disciplinary manhunt operation following the attempted murder and ATM Bombing incident that took place in the early hours of Saturday, 15 April 2023
Police received a shooting incident complaint in MacGregor Street, East End at about 00:47 and as the police approached the scene, shots were fired at them by fleeing suspects. Police found a 30-year-old male lying on the ground with gunshot wounds on the upper abdomen and left hand. The Automatic Teller Machine was damaged. An Armed Response Security Company Officer was also shot in the abdomen and was rushed to the local hospital.
According to reports, about 15 males arrived at the filling station and used explosives to bomb the ATM. The suspects reportedly fired shots at the victims as they arrived at the scene in separate incidents. The suspects then helped themselves to an undisclosed amount of money and fled the scene on foot as the Flying Squad vehicle arrived.
Intelligence-led information was operationalised and it led the team to the Namibia section in Mangaung where eight male suspects aged between 25 and 40 were arrested and the getaway vehicle, a Kia with GP registration numbers, was found. Two unlicensed firearms with live ammunition were also found hidden in the vehicle. The arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 17 April 2023, for attempted murder and ATM bombing.
Police are searching for more suspects and any member of the public who can assist the police with information that can lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects is requested to contact Colonel Bolsiek on 082 466 8530. Alternatively, the information can be submitted on MySAPS App or members of the public can call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
