National Commissioner of Police, General Bheki Cele, is concerned about the reports of hoax bomb scares as well as illegal use of explosives.
South African Police Service (SAPS) management is extremely concerned about the illegal use of explosives in the public domain. This has also given rise to a number of hoax bomb scares which can not only traumatise individuals involved, but also leads to a waste of time and resources by the police.
However the police reassures the public that not only will we respond to all alarms to ensure public safety but we will also investigate hoax calls to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book. The police will maintain law and order and they will protect the lives of the public and their property. Any police officer who connives with perpetrators of such crimes will also face the might of the law and justice shall prevail.
Recently, numerous reports have highlighted the frequency of hoax bomb scares and the utilisation of illegal explosives, including the notorious ATM bombings in public places. These illegal acts are putting the lives of the law abiding citizens in danger and we must work together to rid our society of illegal explosives and those who use them in the commission of crimes. In addition, SAPS members are also at risk when responding to ATM bombings as the perpetrators are usually heavily armed and ruthless. Nonetheless, police will continue to conduct routine investigations to track down perpetrators. The following incidents were reported to the police and were successfully investigated:
- On 11 June 2011, Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, a man was taken into custody for setting explosives, killing a mother and her daughter in 2006
- In Katlegong, Gauteng - ATM bombing incident, an off-duty Metro police officer was injured and admitted to a local hospital, one customer was fatally wounded
- On 15 June 2011, the SAPS Hawks cracked a syndicate linking crooked cops to ATM bombings, one police officer arrested
- Last week a 44 year old woman was arrested for creating a bomb scare in the Free State
- Yesterday, a police officer appeared in court over ATM explosives: Constable Moshe Foba (31) from the uniform unit of the Sasolburg's residential area Zamdela appeared in court with Mr Edwin Fernando (36), their case was postponed for Thursday 23 June 2011.
The perpetrators of such crimes are charged under the Explosive Act Sec 26 of 1950.
"Any individual who maliciously creates a bomb scare will be prosecuted; no person is above the law, including police officers," said General Bheki Cele, National Police Commissioner.
Therefore, the police appeal to anyone who may have information on any bomb related incidents and/or culprits of ATM bombings to please contact Crime Stop on 086 00 10111, in cases of emergency to report to our 10111 number.
Enquiries:
Colonel Tummi Shai
Tel: 012 400 6579
