Gauteng police have arrested four suspects and recovered stained cash and explosives following ATM bombings in the Katlehong and Thokoza areas recently. Three suspects will appear in the Palm Ridge Court on Monday, 15 July 2024, while another will appear in absentia. He is still in hospital under police guard after he was shot and injured in the hand during a confrontation with the police.
The team of investigators also recovered firearms and are in the process of linking the firearms to various crimes within the province.
A possibility of these suspects being linked to ATM bombings in other areas and other crimes cannot be ruled out at the stage.
A team of experienced detectives from all law enforcement agencies in the province, security personnel and other stakeholders such as the banks worked tirelessly for the past two weeks in order to achieve the breakthrough.
Some of the suspects have been charged with ATM bombing, possession of explosives and firearms.
Two of the three suspects were arrested on Thursday, 11 July 2024, while the suspect who was shot and injured escaped. He was later arrested while seeking medical assistance for his injuries. The injured suspect was later arrested together with another suspect over the weekend. A firearm was also recovered. One of the firearms recovered, a shot gun, has since been linked to another crime.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, has applauded the team for a job well done. He said this team has achieved successes in ATM bombings in other areas in Gauteng as well.
In a separate incident, a group from East Rand was terrorising communities in Soweto with ATM bombings and four suspects from that group have also been arrested and are appearing before the Protea Magistrate’s Court.
General Mthombeni is appealing to communities to work hand-in-hand with the police in combating these horrible crimes. Those with information can contact their local police stations or call Crime Stop on 0800 10111 anonymously.