Acting KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, has welcomed the arrest of two suspects found in possession of dangerous explosives, normally used in the bombing of ATM and other crimes.
Crime Prevention Unit in Vryheid arrested two suspects, Sthembiso Buthelezi and Vusumuzi Mbatha, who were found in possession of explosives at Kerk and Hoog Streets in Vryheid.
The explosives found by the police in their possession were 52 detonators. A case in terms of Explosive Act was opened in Vryheid and the two suspects appeared in Court on Monday, 8 July 2013.
The two were remanded in custody until July 28, 2013 for further investigation.
The area (Vryheid) has had several bombings of ATM where dangerous and illegally acquired explosives were used. MEC Dhlomo, has expressed concerns at the proliferation of such dangerous explosives and welcomed the arrest of the two suspects, thanking the police for work well done.
“It is, indeed, disturbing that dangerous explosives, normally used in mining industry, were found within the community where it could pose serious danger to the ordinary members of the community.
“I hope and believe that the arrest of the two suspects would send a clear message to the members of the community and criminals that the Government would never allow for the proliferation of dangerous items and weapons as these pose dangers to the community.
“I thank the police for arresting the two and I am convinced that the investigation into this matter will reveal the real source of these explosives and eventually cut the source of these dangerous items,” said Dhlomo.
He also urged members of the community to be on the look-out for such items and warn them not the touch them but instead report them to police.
For more information contact:
Kwanele Ncalane
Cell: 079 699 5755
Sipho Khumalo
Cell: 082 682 6437
