27 July 2007
Over the past few weeks the South African Police Service's detectives in the
North West province and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) struck decisive blows against ATM
bombers. On Wednesday, 11 July 2007, members of the North West Organised Crime
Unit took six men into custody, namely:
* Thembinkosi Mlaka, 20 years
* Sonnyboy Mankge, 37 years
* Robert Mantshiyo, 26 years
* Jacob Maoba, 33 years
* Lawrence Mantshiyo, 34 years
* Tompi Habile, 39 years.
The men have been positively linked to four cases involving explosions at
automated teller machines in the North West province. Three of the incidents
occurred in Phokeng station area, one on 10 June 2007, at a hostel at the
Bafokeng Mine, another on 27 March 2007 at Freedom Park and the third on 5 July
2007, at an Impala Mine hostel. In all three instances explosives were used and
cash taken. The fourth incident happened at a petrol garage in Boitekong where
an ATM was damaged, but the suspects were disturbed and fled the scene without
any cash.
Money and explosives were recovered during the arrests. All six suspects
have already appeared in court and will make their next appearances on 31 July
and 13 August 2007, on charges relating to armed robbery and contraventions of
the Explosives Act. The Durban Organised Crime Unit has been just as busy
during July and 11 July particularly seems to have been a lucky day in our
fight against ATM explosions.
On that date, at about 01h30, detectives were busy following up information
at the Zakhele shopping centre at Mbali Township, Pietermaritzburg. A motor
vehicle, the occupants of which apparently were intent on blowing up the ATM,
arrived and police attempted to arrest the occupants. During the ensuing
shootout two members of the gang were fatally wounded and two others were
injured.
Fortunately no member of the SAPS was injured. Various firearms and other
items were recovered on the scene. The suspects were treated in hospital and
discharged Zulu Mzwakhe and Mahlomelo Thabang have already appeared in court
briefly and will make their next appearance today. The vehicle they were
travelling in was found to have been hijacked in Pinetown on 23 June 2007.
On 19 July 2007 the Durban Organised Crime Unit arrested four men for
allegedly causing an explosion at an automated teller machine in Ashfield
Avenue, Greenwood Park and stealing an amount of cash. Eric Sicelo Mbambo (26
years), Muza Shangase (27 years), Sibukeli Shangase (38 years) and Justice
Gumede (41 years) will all make their next court appearance on 2 August 2007.
Investigations in all cases could well lead to further arrests or to the
suspects being linked with other serious cases.
Management of the SAPS would like to congratulate all police members
involved in the arrests and continuing investigations. We are well aware that
our detectives work day and night in order to bring offenders to book and
often, as evidenced in the Pietermaritzburg case, face armed and ruthless
gangs.
Enquiries:
Sally de Beer
Office of the National Commissioner
Cell: 082 779 8658
Issued by: South African Police Service
27 July 2007
