The National Commissioner, General Bheki Cele has again urged members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to use all equipment available at their disposal – as well as comprehensive intelligence gathering - to be able to uncover the criminal mind - set behind the scourge of ATM bombings. A few years ago this crime was increasing in South Africa and strategies were put in place to close in on these syndicates. The ATM operations conducted by the South African Police Services expert units yielded excellent results in South Africa.
Over the past week, we have however noted a spate of these criminal activities, even resulting in the fatal shooting of a heroine in blue, Constable FM Bengeza, who will be buried during a state funeral tomorrow, 30 April 2011 in Katlehong.
Gauteng: Two ABSA ATMs were bombed early hours of this morning, Friday 29 April 2011, in Doornpoort shopping complex.
Cullinan: An attempted ATM bombing was unsuccessful when the explosives utilised did not ignite, the suspects tried to use an axe and their plan never succeeded. They later fled the scene empty handed.
Western Cape: Nyanga at 02h00 in the early hours of this morning, a Standard Bank ATM near the Spar shopping centre was blasted. Tireless work by the members of the police ensured that they managed to secure the business premises quickly. These business premises are used to for the convenience of the community to allow them easy access to ATM facilities and shopping at nearby convenience stores.
The following commercial explosives are usually utilised for ATM bombings:
- Detonators
- Explosive gel
- Plastic explosives
- Cortex cable
“Members of the community are urged to be on the look-out for this type of equipment or materials and to advise the police immediately should they suspect individuals or groups are involved in – or planning – ATM blasts”, said General Cele. “The fact that they cold-bloodedly gunned down a young policewoman busy serving her community, indicates that these are hard, ruthless criminals who will stop at nothing to gain access to their ill-gotten loot”.
Our communities are continuously called upon to help police in this area and members of the SAPS have been ordered to respond to all crime-related information, however insignificant it may appear.
Numbers to call are:
- In an emergency situation - 10111
- To report crime and criminals anonymously - 08600 10111 or SMS 32211.
Enquiries:
Colonel Tummi Shai
Tel: 012 400 6579/6629/6576
Fax: 012 400 7018
Cell: 082 826 6181
E-mail: mediacentre@saps.org.za
Source: South African Police Services
